Overview
- Police contained clashes after supporters from both parties converged for rival protests at the Kunnam bus stand on Tuesday, dispersing crowds after stones and sticks were thrown.
- Authorities had refused permission for demonstrations at the same venue but large numbers gathered anyway, prompting heavy police deployment and the closure of shops in the market area.
- Reports conflict on harm: some outlets say there were no injuries while others report several people suffered minor wounds, and senior officials intervened to separate the groups.
- Senior leaders from both parties condemned the violence and urged restraint, with DMK deputy general secretary A Raja calling for constructive debate and VCK minister Vanniyarasu blaming DMK cadres for attacking VCK workers.
- The clash grows from VCK’s shift from the DMK-led alliance to joining the TVK government and the induction of a VCK MLA into the Social Justice ministry, a realignment that risks further local flare-ups and will be watched by police and party chiefs.