Video: DMK MP, MLA spar on stage over handing out benefit scheme certificates

A public welfare event in Theni took an unexpected turn on Saturday when a verbal spat broke out between Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Thanga Tamilselvan and Andipatti MLA Maharajan during the launch of the Tamil Nadu government's 'Nalam Kaakum Stalin' health initiative.

The event, meant to provide free full-body medical checkups for the public, was disrupted midway due to the clash between the two party leaders. The disagreement reportedly began over the distribution of beneficiary certificates to the people on stage.

Sources told India Today that tensions escalated when MLA Maharajan was seen handing out the certificates, and MP Thanga Tamilselvan attempted to join in. However, Maharajan allegedly pulled a certificate from the MP's hand, which led Tamilselvan to call him a "fool".

The exchange quickly escalated into a heated argument, with Maharajan raising his voice on stage in front of government officials, including the District Collector and Superintendent of Police.

Adding to the friction, the MP is said to have objected to his photograph being left out of the event's posters and certificates, while that of the MLA was prominently displayed. This alleged snub reportedly added to the tension, which spilt onto the stage during the event.

The incident forced organisers to cut short the function. The spectacle, which played out in full public view, was recorded and widely shared online, drawing sharp criticism from political opponents.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, who is currently campaigning in the state, was quick to respond to the incident.

"Law and order is completely deteriorated. I just saw a DMK MP and an MLA fighting on the stage. I saw that on the internet while travelling. How are they going to protect the people when the MP and MLA are fighting on stage? Chosen representatives are fighting on the stage before the Collector and SP, and it is on the internet," said Palaniswami, addressing the media during a campaign stop.

The public fallout has sparked embarrassment within the DMK ranks, especially as the altercation took place during a government welfare programme launched by Chief Minister MK Stalin. No official statement has been issued by the DMK or the district administration regarding the confrontation.

The incident has highlighted internal rifts within the party’s local leadership and raised concerns about decorum and unity among elected representatives during public functions.

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