CM Vijay holds emergency meeting with TVK MLAs over alleged misconduct by legislators

The controversy centres on allegations against Deputy Speaker Ravishankar, who is accused of assaulting an individual, and TVK MLA Arul, who has reportedly come under criticism over alleged inappropriate messages sent to a woman district collector.

The allegations have placed the six-month-old TVK government under considerable political pressure. In the Thuraiyur incident, a resident named Karthik Kumar alleged that Deputy Speaker M. Ravishankar assaulted him after he approached the legislator over civic problems, including drinking water shortages and garbage disposal. A video of the alleged incident triggered widespread criticism. Kumar subsequently issued a clarification saying the incident had been misrepresented, but later alleged that he was threatened and pressured into recording the clarification.

In the separate Kallakurichi controversy, MLA C. Arul Vignesh has been accused of sending inappropriate WhatsApp messages to a woman district collector and allegedly harassing her. The legislator has denied the allegations, describing them as rumours. The claims have not been officially established.

The TVK leadership is understood to be considering internal inquiries into both incidents before deciding on disciplinary action. The meeting, chaired by Vijay, was intended to issue firm instructions to legislators on maintaining discipline, behaving responsibly in public and addressing people's grievances without misusing their positions.

The controversies have also drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, which have questioned the ruling party's ability to ensure accountability among its elected representatives. Vijay's response to the allegations is being closely watched as the TVK leadership attempts to protect the credibility of its government.