A wedding in a makeshift jail

Leaders and cadres of the DMK and its allies were taken to a marriage hall at Purasawalkam in Chennai after they were arrested for squatting on the road leading to Marina Beach on the Cauvery issue.

But, everyone stood in consternation when they saw a bride and her groom walking towards the dais where DMK working president M K Stalin and VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan were seated.

Several thoughts ran through everyone's mind such as why were they brought to a marriage hall where a wedding ceremony was to take place. But, the puzzle was soon solved by Thirumavalavan.

The VCK chief, a former MP, was to solemnise the marriage of Bharathidasan and Sreemathi - his party workers - on Thursday morning.

Since he was at the protest, he sent a message saying he won't be able to attend their wedding.

But being staunch supporters, the couple drove to the marriage hall where their leader was lodged after he was detained since they wanted only him to solemnise their coming together as husband and wife.

When Thirumavalavan narrated the entire story to Stalin, the marriage hall erupted in joy.

Suddenly, there was a flurry of activity and Thirumavalavan asked Stalin to preside the wedding.

In the presence of top Opposition leaders and hundreds of cadres from different parties, Bharathidasan tied the knot with Sreemathi.

After receiving blessings from the leaders, the couple left the venue holding the other person's hand to complete other ceremonies.