Stalin steps up attack on Vijay government over law and order

Chennai: DMK President and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday intensified his attack on Tamil Nadu’s C. Joseph Vijay-led coalition government, accusing it of failing to address growing concerns over law and order and questioning its response to a series of crimes involving women and children across the state.

In a strongly worded statement, Stalin said the government could no longer ignore the fear and anxiety prevailing among the public.

Referring to the Chief Minister’s repeated claims that efficient police officers had been appointed and that the Singappen Padai had been established to strengthen women’s safety, Stalin questioned whether the administration was listening to the voices of grieving families.

“After repeatedly claiming that capable officers have been appointed and a women’s protection force has been formed, can the Chief Minister still not hear the anguish of parents who have lost their children?” he asked.

The DMK leader alleged that criminals were becoming increasingly fearless and demanded an explanation from the government on the measures taken to prevent offences and restore public confidence. He questioned what concrete steps had been implemented to ensure that offenders did not continue to operate with impunity.

Taking a veiled swipe at Vijay’s silence on recent incidents, Stalin asked when the Chief Minister would come out of what he termed a “silent mode” despite mounting concerns over public safety. “When will there be a ‘call sheet’ for addressing people’s safety concerns? What concrete action has been taken to prevent criminals from operating without fear?” he asked.

Stalin also rejected suggestions that the Opposition should refrain from criticism during the initial months of the new government. He asserted that the DMK had a responsibility to raise issues affecting the public and would not remain silent when the safety of women and children was at stake.

Warning of a larger political response if the situation remained unaddressed, Stalin said continued inaction by the government could lead to major agitation by the DMK.

“With people’s lives and children’s safety under threat, do you expect me to remain silent? Or are you inviting a massive DMK protest?” he asked. Stalin concluded his statement with the hashtag “#WhySilentCM”, signalling the DMK’s intent to keep pressure on the government over law and order issues in the state.