Chennai police stop BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan from taking up signature campaign in support of three-language policy

BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan being escorted out of M.G.R. Nagar in Chennai, where she conducted a signature campaign in support of the three-language policy
| Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj

High tension prevailed at M.G.R. Nagar in Chennai on Thursday (March 6, 2025) when the police stopped BJP leader and former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan from taking up a signature campaign in support of the three-language formula. A group of DMK supporters had also gathered at the spot raising slogans against her, leading to a tense situation.

“Am I creating any law and order problem? Am I a terrorist? Why are so many people surrounding me? I have been residing in this area for the past 40 years and I am undertaking a peaceful signature campaign,” Ms. Soundararajan told the police when they asked her to wind up the signature campaign. The police said the campaign was causing hindrance to the public and movement of vehicular traffic.

The group of DMK members, meanwhile, raised slogans demanding the arrest of Ms. Soundararajan. They also shouted slogans in support of the two-language formula.

The police swiftly cordoned off the area, preventing members of both parties from advancing. Amid the chaos, a few individuals obstructed the road. The police subsequently detained 23 people.

Police sources said Ms. Soundararajan was not arrested and was only requested to move from the spot as it caused hindrance to the public and traffic movement. She was later escorted by the police from the scene.