Chennai Police Arrest of Kishore Swamy: A Shining Example of Censorship and Power Abuse

Questions have been raised about the recent arrest of political commentator Kishore Swamy for making comments on social media regarding Chief Minister MK Stalin's response to flooding issues. This incident highlights the extent to which censorship and the abuse of power can undermine democratic values and the rule of law in Tamil Nadu.

The Context of Censorship in Tamil Nadu

The arrest of Kishore Swamy raises crucial questions about the current state of democracy in Tamil Nadu. Historically, when the DMK was in opposition, they often accused the ruling party of lacking democratic principles. Now, as the ruling party, DMK has exhibited similar behavior, leveraging power to silence dissenting voices.

A Living Demon's Rule

There is a Thamizh saying that humorously predicts a scenario where a 'living demon' (a corrupt and oppressive ruler) will render all social and moral codes ineffective. This arrest of Kishore Swamy is a perfect illustration of this saying in action. For questioning the adequacy of the Chief Minister's (MK Stalin) response to flooding, he has been targeted with legal actions.

The reason for his arrest is so petty and biased, targeting him for tweeting about a political figure. The incident highlights a chilling precedent, where anyone expressing their thoughts online, even if mild criticism, can lead to imprisonment. If such arrests were to become the norm, prisons would indeed become overcrowded, while criminals like Dalit Rasa and the Ex-Finance Minister, currently on bail, would remain at large.

Here are the details from news reports:

Commentator Kishore Swamy held for derogatory comments: Police!

Kishore K. Swamy Arrested: Twitter Post Explored What Did He Say

In the early hours of Monday November 21 2022 Kishore K. Swamy, a well-known political commentator known for his anti-DMK stance was taken into custody.

According to a Zee News report Kishore was detained because of remarks he made in response to the monsoon preparations criticizing MK Stalin the chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

The arrest further reinforces the idea that criticizing the current ruling party is not merely a form of discourse but a punishable offense. These events speak volumes about the atmosphere in Tamil Nadu, where dissenting voices are met with heavy-handedness.

The Criticism of MK Stalin

Kishore Swamy pointed out the inadequacies in the Chief Minister's (MK Stalin) response to the flooding situations in Chennai. In the past, when the same political figure was in opposition, he criticized the ruling party for inadequate infrastructure and poor management of monsoon water. Now, it is clear that his environment has changed, and so has the treatment he receives.

The Chief Minister’s (MK Stalin) attempts to show his leadership by making 'photo shoots' in flooded areas are weak attempts at symbolism. Even more revealing is his lack of a convincing explanation for not making adequate arrangements. This double standard of accountability is a common theme in his rule, where political expediency trumps genuine responsibility towards the populace.

Historical Context of Political Repression

The current behavior of the ruling DMK is not unprecedented. Historically, this party has been known to harass and silence journalists who report against them. Examples include:

Evil Force's Misdeeds: When the late CM (Evil Force) molested and made pregnant a woman who came to him for acting in his campaign, he later arrested the editor of a journal who exposed this in his capacity as CM and Home Minister. He even signed a solemn affidavit denying all allegations, showing no shame in accusing a woman of being a prostitute.

Legal Consequences of Harassment: Despite his best legal efforts, powerful evidence emerged that proved his involvement in the alleged molestation. The judge severely criticized the Public Prosecutor and immediately released the editor/journalist. This case illustrated the challenges faced by those who dare to speak out.

Other Media Harassment: When two daily newspapers, Alai Osai and Dhinakarn, published stories against these rowdy leaders, the CM (Evil Force) signed press cases against them. This shows a pattern of using the legal system to repress free speech.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the arrest of Kishore Swamy is not merely an isolated incident; it is a symptom of broader issues. It underscores the current government's intolerance towards criticism and the dangers of using law enforcement as a tool to suppress dissent. The treatment of Kishore Swamy and other journalists serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting free speech and the rule of law in Tamil Nadu.

Keywords

Chennai Police, Kishore Swamy, DMK, Censorship, Abuse of Power