Tension prevailed near the new bus stand in Sirkazhi on Sunday (May 24, 2026) after members of the DMK youth wing allegedly burnt Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in effigy during a protest condemning the Congress party.

According to police, the protest was organised by the DMK youth wing to denounce Congress leaders for allegedly burning copies of a resolution passed at a recent State youth wing meeting. District Youth Wing organiser Marudhu led the demonstration, while town DMK secretary Subbarayan and West Union secretary Prabhakaran were present.

During the protest, DMK cadre raised slogans against the Congress and suddenly set fire to an effigy of Mr. Gandhi on the road. Deputy Superintendent of Police Saravanan, Inspector of Police Kamal Raj and other police personnel rushed to the spot and attempted to remove the burning effigy.

This led to a heated argument and brief jostling between the protesters and police personnel, resulting in traffic disruption on the Mayiladuthurai–Sirkazhi main road for some time. The incident created tension in the area before police brought the situation under control.

Among those who participated in the protest were district engineers’ wing organiser Kalaivanan and district functionaries Senthil and Zubair Ahmed, besides several party cadre.