Tension prevailed in Mayiladuthurai on Friday after a group of DMK cadre allegedly attacked Congress functionaries and threw the national party’s flag on the road following a demonstration organised by the Congress, as part of State-wide protests held to condemn Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for not inviting Tamilga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay to form the government.

This incident comes in the backdrop of the Congress extending support to the TVK, breaking its ties with the DMK. On Friday, Congress cadre held a protest near Kittappa market. The agitation was led by district president Banu Sekar and attended by over 50 party members, who raised slogans before dispersing.

Quarrel at shop

Later, when some Congress functionaries were having tea at a shop on Kacheri Road, a group of DMK members, including district youth wing organiser Marudhu, Vincent, and former councillor Raghu allegedly confronted them and picked up a quarrel. The Congress men alleged that the DMK cadre used abusive language, following which they attempted to leave the spot.

During the altercation, a local Congress functionary, Raja, was allegedly pushed to the ground. The DMK workers also raised slogans against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and allegedly threw a Congress flag on the road and tore it up.

As the situation escalated, slogans were raised against the Congress leadership, including Mr. Sekar, who left the area in a car.

The incident led to a brief commotion in the Kittappa market area.

Police sources said the situation was brought under control, and further inquiry is under way.