Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of DMK chief MK Stalin, was detained by the police in Nagapattinam district on Friday, 20 November, evening for conducting an election campaign rally without permission.
The DMK youth wing secretary had commenced his campaign tour, tentatively titled ‘Vidiyalai Nokki Stalinin Kural’ (Stalin's voice towards dawn), from Thirukkuvalai, the birthplace of his grandfather and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi.
Police have stated that the party had flouted norms as there is no permission granted by the state government for conducting political meetings due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Huge crowds had gathered at the rally and they were seen not wearing masks or not maintaining social distancing norms.
Protests erupted in several districts condemning his arrest.
He, along with several leaders and cadre, were detained in a marriage hall and an hour later were released.
“The AIADMK government could not tolerate my campaign on the very first day of the campaign that they arrested me. When people started protesting, they had to release me. I will continue my campaign journey as planned,” Udhayanidhi tweeted.
The campaign is similar to DMK chief MK Stalin’s ‘Namakku Naame’ campaign, where the leader rode in a cycle through villages and towns to attract young voters.
The tour plan was to begin from his ancestral home at Thirukkuvalai, travel through Ettukudi and other small villages in Keelvelur Assembly constituency and reach Velankanni. He was expected to addressing people at three points.
He is expected to continue his tour in Nagapattinam district during the weekend, and then travel to Thanjavur district on Monday.
He had scheduled meetings with Hindu, Christian and Muslim priests and traders in Thanjavur town on Monday evening.
DMK MP Kanimozhi condemned the arrest of Udhayanidhi Stalin.
“CM EPS can go anywhere but the DMK leaders are stopped. The slave AIADMK is already scared of the DMK even before we start our campaign. I strongly condemn the arrest of Udhayanidhi. He should be allowed to continue his campaign,” she tweeted.
Assembly elections in the state are due in April-May. The campaign will cover all 234 Assembly segments and Women's Wing leader and Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi, former Ministers K Ponmudi and Periyasamy are some of the leaders who will travel to different parts of the state.
“The leaders will explain to people party President''s (Stalin) slogan of walking towards a new dawn by rejecting the ruling AIADMK's atrocities and administrative lapses,” the statement from DMK read.
15 top leaders of the party will address 1,500 meetings in 75 days, while Stalin is expected to begin his campaign in January.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)