The DMK government in Tamil Nadu faced intense criticism after placing at least eight senior leaders of the Intermediate Teachers' Association under house arrest in Chennai on Monday. The action came as the statewide agitation by secondary grade teachers entered its 17th day, demanding the implementation of the party’s 2021 election manifesto promise No. 311 for “equal pay for equal work.” Those detained included association president Rex Anandakumar, along with office-bearers Robert, Kannan, and others, with their mobile phones reportedly seized and switched off.

The protesting teachers have been seeking enforcement of the DMK’s pre-election commitment to ensure parity in pay for intermediate teachers performing similar duties. The ongoing demonstration highlights growing frustration over the government’s failure to deliver on a key promise made during the 2021 Assembly elections. The house arrests effectively isolated the association’s leadership, preventing coordination with fellow protesters and cutting off external communication.

AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami strongly condemned the detentions, accusing the MK Stalin-led administration of stifling peaceful and democratic dissent. He described the move as an authoritarian response that avoids dialogue and resorts to police suppression instead of addressing legitimate grievances. Palaniswami emphasized that the teachers’ demand stems directly from the ruling party’s own manifesto pledge.

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In a pointed statement, Palaniswami warned that the DMK government would bear full responsibility for any harm befalling the detained teachers. He labeled the house arrests, confiscation of phones, and denial of basic rights as unlawful and undemocratic, exposing what he called the government’s true face when confronted with its unfulfilled commitments. The Opposition leader further asserted that such tactics undermine the principles of democratic protest.

Palaniswami demanded the immediate release of all detained teachers, restoration of their communication rights, and an end to police interference in what he termed a justified agitation. He cautioned that Tamil Nadu would not forget how a government promising justice to educators responded when pressed to honor its word. The controversy has intensified political scrutiny on the administration’s handling of public sector employee concerns.

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