# DMK's show of force against Gandhi in 1977

> On October 29, 1977, DMK protesters attacked Indira Gandhi in Madurai, triggering violence across Tamil Nadu that killed two in Chennai.
- Title: DMK's show of force against Gandhi in 1977 · The Hindu
- Summary: On October 29, 1977, DMK protesters attacked Indira Gandhi in Madurai, triggering violence across Tamil Nadu that killed two in Chennai. DMK members attacked…
- Keywords: indira gandhi, dravida munnetra kazhagam, m. karunanidhi, m.g. ramachandran, tamil nadu, protest violence, 1977, news, politics, DMK's, show, force
- Source: The Hindu — https://thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/when-dmk-flexed-its-muscle-during-indira-gandhis-visit-to-tamil-nadu-in-1977/article71632217.ece
- Author: T. Ramakrishnan
- Published: 2026-10-28T01:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: indira gandhi, dravida munnetra kazhagam, m. karunanidhi, m.g. ramachandran, tamil nadu, protest violence, 1977, news, politics
## Gandhi attacked in Madurai
On October 29, 1977, Indira Gandhi visited Madurai. DMK members staging blackflag protests threw stones and sticks at the former Prime Minister during the visit.
## Violence spreads across Tamil Nadu
The attack in Madurai triggered violence elsewhere in Tamil Nadu. In Chennai, two persons were killed when police opened fire at protesters who turned violent on Mount Road.
## Test of will between rivals
According to diplomat-turned-political writer R. Kannan in his book The DMK Years, Gandhi's October 29-30 visit became the first test of will between DMK president M. Karunanidhi and AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran.

> Indira Gandhi's October 29-30 visit became the first test of will between the two leaders
## Key takeaway

DMK members attacked former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during her October 29, 1977 visit to Madurai, sparking violent protests that killed two people in Chennai.