Chennai: DMK president M K Stalin on Saturday termed Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led TVK government a 'xerox copy' of the BJP and accused it of adopting the saffron party's tactics by poaching AIADMK MLAs.
Addressing the DMK women's wing at Anna Arivalayam, Stalin said the ruling party was on a 'shopping spree' for AIADMK legislators, similar to what the BJP had done in other states. He said such actions had embarrassed the parties that backed TVK to form the government.
Referring to the four AIADMK MLAs who resigned and joined TVK, Stalin asked, 'They resigned before the voting ink on their fingers could dry. What offers were made to them?' He termed the defections a 'shameful act' and asked whether democratic forces should not question this.
'If he is taking legislators from an already weakened party, it raises questions about the strength of his own party,' Stalin said, referring to Vijay's remark of AIADMK as a spent force. Stalin also took a swipe at Vijay's oft-repeated call to supporters to 'be confident', saying the ruling party's efforts to induct AIADMK MLAs reflected a lack of confidence.
The DMK chief also attacked the government over law and order. Recalling Vijay's poll promise to ensure the safety of women and children, Stalin said people were now seeking protection from the TVK itself. He alleged that TVK functionaries were involved in several recent crimes against women reported in the media.
Citing a sexual abuse complaint in Srivaikundam, Stalin said the complainant, a TVK member, was allegedly abused by fellow party functionaries. Instead of acting against the perpetrators, the party removed the victim from the party, he alleged.
Stalin said his recent remarks had been misinterpreted. 'I had said I would not criticise the government in its first six months. But the prevailing law and order situation has forced us to raise questions,' he said.
He reiterated that the DMK would function as a strong opposition and continue to challenge the government on its wrongdoings. 'We seek to defeat it democratically in the next election,' Stalin said and appealed to the women wing cadres to work harder to re-establish the DMK government.
