A significant political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. The uproar stems from alleged death threats issued by a DMK leader against the Prime Minister, resulting in strong condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and demands for the leader's immediate arrest.
The DMK leader in question, Jayapalan, who serves as the DMK South District Secretary, reportedly made the inciting remarks during a protest in the Tenkasi district against SIR. In a video that has rapidly circulated on social media, Jayapalan is purportedly heard comparing Prime Minister Modi to the mythical demon Narakasura. He allegedly stated that "Modi is desperate to snatch your votes, he is another demon... Tamil Nadu can be benefited only by eliminating him...We have to fight this battle unitedly and show victory". These comments have been widely interpreted as an open threat to the Prime Minister's life, igniting a firestorm of criticism.
The BJP has reacted sharply to the alleged death threat. Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran shared the video on social media and vehemently demanded the immediate arrest of Jayapalan. Nagendran asserted that "threatening to kill a leader holding an extremely important position in the country, especially a great leader respected worldwide, without any respect and stage etiquette, raises doubts about the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu". He further criticized the silence of Tenkasi MP Rani Srikumar and Sankarankoil MLA Raja, who were present during the speech, suggesting their silence reflected the "violent nature and cruelty of the entire party". Nagendran urged the DMK government to take immediate action and arrest Jayapalan for endangering the Prime Minister's safety.
The BJP has framed the comments as a direct threat to the Prime Minister and is demanding the DMK take action against its functionary. The report highlights the BJP's accusation of a death threat, based on Jayapalan's alleged statement where he said, 'Tamil Nadu will be fine only if Modi is finished off'. The DMK leader also reportedly compared the Prime Minister to a demon king, further escalating the political clash between the two parties.
As of now, the DMK has not issued an official response to the controversy. However, police sources have indicated they are examining the video to determine if the remarks warrant charges under criminal intimidation and other relevant sections of the law.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. His itinerary includes a visit to the Sri Sathya Sai Baba's sacred pilgrimage site in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, and attending the Southern India Natural Farming Summit, where he will release the 21st installment to farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Given the controversy, security measures are expected to be heightened during the Prime Minister's visit.
