When Celebration Turns Sour: Political Rivalries Explode in Salem

You know, there’s always a certain buzz, a palpable energy in the air, when election results are out and a candidate celebrates a hard-won victory. But for supporters of PMK MLA R. Arul in Salem, that joyous occasion, meant to mark his success in the Mettur Assembly by-election, took a truly jarring, perhaps even predictable, turn. In fact, what began as a spirited procession suddenly—and quite brutally, it seems—spiraled into outright chaos, a grim reminder that political triumphs can, sadly, often attract the shadow of old rivalries.

It was March 22, near the bustling Karuvattu Bridge, when party cadre had gathered, banners aloft, to parade and, well, just revel in Arul’s recent win. All was well, for a time. But then, as if on cue, a group allegedly linked to former DMK MLA S.R. Parthiban appeared. What happened next? A scene of raw confrontation, a sudden eruption of hostility, with reports of wooden logs and stones being brandished and, tragically, used. One can only imagine the sudden shift in atmosphere—from celebratory cheers to panicked shouts.

The immediate aftermath, regrettably, saw five of Arul’s supporters needing medical attention, hospitalized with injuries from what was, you could say, a wholly unprovoked assault. And for once, the wheels of justice, or at least law enforcement, moved quite swiftly. Police, upon receiving reports of the melee, quickly stepped in, initiating a probe and ultimately making seven arrests in connection with the fracas. The swift action, honestly, offers a glimmer of hope amidst such unfortunate incidents.

These seven individuals now face a slew of serious charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code—everything from rioting to unlawful assembly, and even assault. It's a serious matter, really, far beyond a simple street brawl. This incident quite clearly underscores the persistent, often fiery, political rivalries that, let’s be frank, simmer just beneath the surface in regions like Mettur, even long after the ballots are counted. The investigation, of course, is ongoing, seeking to untangle the full story, to understand the true depth of this truly unfortunate episode and, perhaps, to ensure that such celebrations don't turn sour again.