Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko has apologised after party workers assaulted members of the press who were covering his public meeting in Sathur, Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday. Witnesses said the dispute began when television crews panned their cameras across rows of empty chairs that had appeared during Vaiko’s hour-long speech. Angered by the footage, Vaiko interrupted his remarks, questioned the journalists’ motives and instructed party cadres to “snatch the cameras.” As reporters attempted to leave, several MDMK workers allegedly attacked them, injuring at least two regional journalists and damaging equipment. The veteran politician, whose party is an ally in the state’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) bloc, later said the incident was “unpleasant” and expressed regret for his remarks and the subsequent violence. Local police have not yet confirmed whether formal complaints have been filed. Media unions have condemned the assault and demanded legal action and safeguards for reporters covering political events in the state.