DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday described the Delhi Police action against anti-Chief Election Commissioner protesters as an “undeclared emergency.” He made the remark while reacting to the detention of those involved in the protest.

Stalin said that people “defending democracy are detained, while those betraying it are protected.” His comments came amid the police action in the national capital.

The DMK leader did not elaborate further in the brief statement. The matter appears to be drawing political criticism, while the police action remains the focus of attention.