VCK, DMK members clash over A Raja's 'bent coconut tree' tweet

A violent clash took place between members of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) at the Kunnam bus stand in Perambalur district.

The confrontation, which took place around 10:30 AM on Tuesday, saw members of both parties hurling stones and attacking each other with wooden sticks, turning the busy transport hub into a chaotic battlefield.

The political trigger

The rising tensions were triggered into violence by a controversial social media post by DMK Deputy General Secretary A Raja. Following a highly competitive assembly election that produced a fractured verdict, the VCK broke away from its former ally, the DMK. After initially offering external support to the newly formed TVK government, the VCK officially joined the cabinet, with its legislator Vanni Arasu being inducted as the Minister for Social Justice Department.

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In response to this alignment shift, Raja posted a cryptic metaphor on X, comparing the VCK to a bent coconut tree in a courtyard that offers its tender coconuts to the neighbour rather than its own household.

This remark followed an even more provocative deleted draft where he allegedly likened the political move to an extramarital affair, sparking widespread outrage among VCK loyalists.

Denied permissions

Seeking to condemn Raja’s remarks, local VCK members organised a protest at the Kunnam bus stand. Simultaneously, local DMK youth wing members planned a counter-protest to defend their leadership. Anticipating a serious law and order situation, the Kunnam police denied permission to both factions and deployed personnel to secure the area. Despite the official ban, large crowds from both parties gathered anyway.

What began as a heated verbal exchange quickly escalated into physical violence. The two groups ignored police intervention, launching a barrage of stone-pelting and fighting with sticks. The sudden eruption of violence caused widespread panic, forcing local traders and shopkeepers to quickly shutter their businesses while commuters fled the scene.

Police intervention

To break up the riot, the police were forced to use batons to disperse the fighting cadres. While early reports from some outlets indicated no major injuries, local medical updates confirmed that multiple workers from both sides sustained wounds severe enough to require treatment at the Kunnam government hospital.

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In the aftermath of the incident, District Superintendent of Police V. Lalith Kumar ordered a heavy deployment of additional forces across Kunnam and its neighbouring areas to maintain a strict vigil and prevent further outbreaks.

Online aftermath

The political fallout continues to unravel online. VCK party treasurer SS Balaji issued a strong statement on X, demanding that the Tamil Nadu government and police take immediate, strict action against the DMK members responsible for the assault.

Meanwhile, Raja also took to social media to call for restraint, posting that "Constructive debate is the bulwark of democracy. Clashes and scuffles are not only against democracy but also foolish. Let us avoid violence and overcome poverty, as our leader M Karunanidhi has always emphasised," on X.