A political debate programme organised by a private television channel turned violent in Karaikudi, with participants and supporters of multiple parties clashing, hurling plastic chairs, and engaging in physical assault at the venue.
The incident took place at the Magar Nonbu ground during a programme titled “Therdhal Payanam (Election Yatra),” hosted by a private media outlet, NewsTamil24x7. Representatives from major parties, including the DMK, AIADMK, Congress, and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), were present. Among those who spoke were DMK district deputy secretary Sengai Maran, former AIADMK MLA Umadevan, and NTK state youth coordinator Idumbavanam Karthi.
As reported in Dinamalar, tensions escalated during the discussion when the NTK representative criticised a sitting MLA, alleging lack of developmental work and raising allegations about interest in operating multiple private bars. This triggered loud protests from DMK and Congress supporters present at the venue.
The verbal altercation quickly spiralled into violence, with individuals picking up plastic chairs and throwing them toward the stage area. A physical clash broke out between cadres of the DMK, Congress, and NTK, leading to injuries among participants.
நியூஸ் தமிழ் செய்தியாளர் ராஜேஷ் மீது திமுகவினர் நடத்திய தாக்குதலை சென்னை பத்திரிகையாளர் மன்றம் வன்மையாக கண்டிக்கிறது.
தமிழ்நாடு சட்டமன்ற தேர்தல் தொடர்பாக நியூஸ் தமிழ் தொலைக்காட்சி தேர்தல் பயணம் என்ற நிகழ்ச்சியை தமிழ்நாடு முழுவதும் நடத்தி வருகிறது. இதன் ஒரு பகுதியாக சிவங்கை… pic.twitter.com/SqfknpxXfH
— Chennai Press Club | சென்னை பத்திரிகையாளர் மன்றம் (@MadrasJournos) March 23, 2026
During the chaos, the programme’s moderator, Rajesh, and NTK functionary Idumbavanam Karthi were reportedly targeted in the attack. Allegations have been made that individuals linked to DMK district functionary Sengai Maran were involved in the assault. The incident disrupted the programme and created panic at the venue.
Following the clash, NTK members staged a road blockade in Karaikudi, demanding immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack on their party worker and others present at the event.
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The Karaikudi incident comes amid a series of earlier confrontations involving media personnel and political functionaries in the region. Just last month, journalists associated with the same private television channel were allegedly assaulted by a DMK MLA during a separate incident.
In another instance cited by BJP leader SG Suryah, a similar debate programme had reportedly turned violent, with attacks directed at party members and even police personnel present at the scene, resulting in injuries that required hospitalisation.
These recurring episodes have raised concerns about the safety of media platforms hosting political debates and the increasing frequency of disruptions during such public discussions.
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