TN govt hints at action against BJP leader H Raja

Tamil Nadu government Tuesday hinted BJP leader H Raja, facing a slew of cases over his controversial speeches, might soon face action, as it came under attack from opposition parties for not arresting him.

With the opposition alleging that action was not taken against Raja because of ruling AIADMK's proximity to BJP, senior minister D Jayakumar said the cordiality was only between the state and central governments.

"That is an illusion being spread in social media," he added.

There was no party-to-party ties with the BJP, he told reporters when asked why the government had so far not acted against the BJP leader, although it was quick to arrest AIADMK MLA S Karunaas for his alleged provocative remarks.

Founder of a small caste-based outfit, Karunaas, who was elected on an AIADMK ticket in the 2016 polls from Tiruvadanai segment, was arrested on Sunday for making alleged provocative remarks against Chief Minister K Palaniswami and the police.

Karunaas, who had later appeared to be supporting ousted AIADMK leader T T V Dhinkaran, had also made some alleged caste related remarks during a recent public meeting, following which a case was registered against him.

Jayakumar said the government had to act against Karunaas in the interest of law and order as members of communities he allegedly targeted in his speech took exception to it.

"The quick action was necessitated due to the intensity of the offence (by Karunaas) as he spoke in a demeaning manner about some communities and they had started agitating," he said wondering whether he should now continue as an MLA.

On Raja, the minister said he was facing 'strong cases' and "has to certainly answer them," hinting that police could take action against the BJP leader.

Raja is facing cases in Chennai, Pudukottai and Coimbatore on various issues, including his alleged derogatory remarks aginst courts and police during a Vinayaka Chaturthi procession on September 16.

The Madras High Court has initiated contempt proceedings against him over the remarks