Journalists Attacked At MDMK Event In Tamil Nadu, Vaiko Accused Of 'Provoking Assault'; BJP Condemns Incident

A political event organised by Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) in Sattur, Virudhunagar district, turned violent on Wednesday after a group of journalists were allegedly assaulted by party cadres during a speech by party General Secretary Vaiko.

According to Chennai Press Club, tensions escalated when a portion of the crowd began dispersing mid-event while Vaiko was addressing the gathering. As journalists captured the scene on video, Vaiko reportedly lashed out at them verbally from the stage and allegedly instructed party workers to seize their recording equipment. Following his remarks, MDMK cadres physically assaulted the journalists, damaging cameras and other gear.

Multiple media personnel sustained injuries in the attack, sparking widespread outrage. The Chennai Press Club issued a strong condemnation, demanding that the police file cases against both Vaiko and the assailants under relevant legal sections.

MDMK Responds: Durai Vaiko Expresses Regret

In the aftermath, Durai Vaiko, MDMK State Secretary and son of the party chief, expressed regret over the incident. In a statement, he emphasised the party’s commitment to press freedom, calling the altercation “unfortunate and regrettable.”

"At that moment, upon noticing that media personnel were recording the situation, Mr. Vaiko remarked: 'Those who arrived for the event at 4 PM have been seated here for five hours. When the power went out, some briefly stepped outside -- and you're filming that? There are thousands of dedicated party workers listening outside. Why not go and capture that?" Durai Vaiko explained in the statement, as per a report on ANI.

Political Reactions

Condemnation also poured in from political circles. BJP leader Narayanan Thirupathy slammed Vaiko, calling the assault on media personnel “atrocious” and accusing the senior politician of inciting violence. “The attack on a journalist at senior politician Vaiko's event is atrocious. Vaiko, being the seniormost politician in Tamil Nadu, instigated his goons to attack the journalist who was reporting on his party’s event. Even his own party members refused to listen to him. He is a failed politician,” Narayanan Thirupathy said. 

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