DMK MP A Raja booked by police for comments on CM EPS

DMK deputy general secretary and Nilgiris MP A Raja was booked by the Central Crime Branch police in Chennai on Sunday based on a complaint to the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) which was then forwarded to the Greater Chennai Police.

The complainant filed by State Joint Secretary of the Advocate Wing of AIADMK, C Thirumaran, alleged that A Raja had made vulgar personal remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami during an election campaign for the upcoming assembly elections. Comparing DMK’s chief MK Stalin with CM EPS, Raja had mentioned that Stalin’s position in politics is that of a baby born out of a rightful relationship whereas Palaniswami was like a premature baby born out of an illicit affair. Protests by AIADMK supporters erupted across several parts of the state soon after, demanding an apology from the MP.

Condemning the remarks, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam wrote, “As someone who represents people, he/she should behave courteously and decency in politics. One should think of how they are in their personal lives first.” A Raja was then booked by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Chennai City Police under sections 294 (b) (causing nuisance in public places) and 153 (provocation with intent to cause riot) of the Indian Penal Code.

The deputy general secretary has now apologized for his comments, stating that his words were taken out of context. A Raja reportedly said, “I reiterate… my speech was not a personal criticism of two leaders. My speech was an estimate and comparison of two personalities in public life. Justice Saini’s four-point summary in 2G verdict will apply here too: Misreading, selective reading, out of context reading and non-reading. I was distressed to read in media reports that the Chief Minister had been hurt by my words. It was taken out of context, misunderstood but I express regret from the bottom of my heart. Further, I would say that if it is not for political reasons but even otherwise if he is feeling hurt, then I have no hesitancy to seek a heartfelt apology.”