Tamil Nadu BJP leaders arrested before Tasmac protest.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai was taken into custody near Neelangarai while he was on his way to participate in a planned protest at the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) headquarters in Egmore. The protest, organized by the BJP, aimed to oppose the state government’s policies regarding liquor sales and alleged corruption within Tasmac. Along with Annamalai, several BJP leaders, including Tamilisai Soundararajan, were also detained by the police. Security was heightened across Chennai as authorities took precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incidents. The BJP has strongly condemned the arrests, calling them an attack on democracy.
Annamalai and former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, were arrested by the Chennai city police on Monday (March 17, 2025) ahead of a protest against alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac). The BJP had planned a large-scale demonstration against what they described as widespread corruption in Tasmac, which controls liquor sales in the state.
Police Detain Annamalai Near His Residence
BJP chief K. Annamalai was stopped by the police about a kilometer from his residence in Akkarai as he was heading toward Egmore, the designated protest venue. He was taken into custody along with several other party leaders and workers. Heavy police presence was observed across key areas in Chennai, particularly near Egmore, where the BJP had planned to stage its demonstration.
Tamilisai Soundararajan Among Leaders Arrested
Along with Annamalai, former Telangana Governor and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan was also detained. The arrests led to tensions between BJP workers and the police, with several protesters raising slogans against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government. The police, citing law and order concerns, had earlier denied permission for the protest, but BJP leaders decided to go ahead with their plans.
BJP’s Allegations Against Tasmac
The BJP has been vocal about alleged corruption within Tasmac, accusing the ruling DMK government of mismanagement and financial irregularities. The party claims that illicit activities, including revenue leakages and political favoritism in liquor licensing, have plagued the corporation, ultimately affecting the state’s economy and public welfare.
Speaking before his arrest, Annamalai told reporters, “The DMK government has turned Tasmac into a corrupt money-making machine, exploiting the people of Tamil Nadu. Liquor sales have increased, and irregularities in the corporation are being ignored. We are protesting for the people’s welfare, and the government’s crackdown on dissent shows its undemocratic nature.”
Clashes Between Police and Protesters
As BJP leaders and cadres attempted to gather at Egmore, scuffles broke out between protesters and police personnel. The police detained multiple BJP workers and prevented them from reaching the protest site. Traffic was disrupted in parts of Chennai due to the large police deployment and the arrests of key leaders.
Eyewitnesses reported that police vans were stationed at various locations to transport detained BJP members to different stations. BJP workers alleged that their leaders were being forcibly removed to suppress their democratic right to protest.
BJP Condemns Arrests, Calls It an Attack on Democracy
Following the arrests, BJP leaders strongly condemned the police action, calling it an attack on democratic rights. BJP National General Secretary C.T. Ravi criticized the Tamil Nadu government, stating, “Arresting leaders for protesting against corruption is an assault on democracy. The DMK government is afraid of being exposed, which is why it is resorting to such undemocratic measures.”
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP Vice President Narayanan Thirupathy accused the government of “blatantly suppressing the opposition’s voice” and vowed that the party would continue its fight against Tasmac corruption.
DMK’s Response
In response to the BJP’s allegations, DMK leaders dismissed the protest as a “political stunt.” DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan stated, “The BJP is trying to create unnecessary tension in Tamil Nadu. The government is functioning transparently, and all decisions regarding Tasmac are taken according to proper regulations. The BJP is merely trying to gain political mileage.”
What Happens Next?
Despite the arrests, BJP leaders have vowed to continue their protests and take the issue to the public through other means, including legal action. Annamalai and other leaders are expected to be released later in the day, though tensions between the BJP and the ruling DMK remain high.
The incident has once again highlighted the deep political divide in Tamil Nadu, with the BJP seeking to strengthen its position in the state and the DMK maintaining its dominance. As the political tussle continues, the controversy surrounding Tasmac is likely to remain a key talking point in the state’s political discourse in the coming days.