CHENNAI: The DMK and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Friday traded charges over the law and order situation in the state. A heated argument erupted between the treasury and opposition benches during the motion of thanks to the governor’s address when DMK legislator S Austin accused Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay of remaining silent over rising crimes against women and children.
DMK's Allegations
The Kanyakumari MLA claimed that the one-month-old TVK government has completely failed in its administration. "The people who voted for change are now regretting out of disappointment. This is the public perception," he said. Sharpening his criticism, Austin stated that while crimes against women and children were on the rise, the CM has chosen to "remain tight-lipped."
TVK's Response
Agitated by the remark, PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna intervened, asserting that the CM has been working hard and knows "when to speak and what to speak." Alluding to the defeat of former CM M K Stalin in the Kolathur constituency during the assembly polls, Arjuna asked what had happened there. DMK legislators immediately reacted, strongly condemning the minister’s remarks, while the CM remained silent during the exchange.
Resuming his speech, Austin alleged that TVK came to power merely by utilizing social media platforms like Instagram. He added that it is unjustifiable to compare the present CM with charismatic leaders like C N Annadurai and M G Ramachandran, who fought for people’s rights. Referring to the governor’s address, he termed it an "empty statement" with neither new announcements nor guarantees to fulfil poll promises.
Further Exchanges
Intervening again, Aadhav Arjuna said the opposition was belittling their historic victory. "Don't provoke us," he warned, adding that they were capable of giving a fitting reply while maintaining dignity. He stated that the CM had given clear directions to act swiftly on crimes against women, unlike the previous regime, which he claimed took 36 hours to file a case regarding the sexual abuse and murder of a schoolgirl.
Vilathikulam MLA G V Markandeyan raised a point of order, accusing the minister of misleading the House. "The FIR was filed within 24 hours. The previous government acted immediately and expedited the case, resulting in a swift trial and judgment," Markandeyan countered.
School Education Minister A Rajmohan joined the debate to retort Austin’s charges that CM Vijay’s order to establish a special anti-narcotics task force remained only on paper while drugs flowed freely. The minister stated that the TVK government has taken concrete measures, arresting 4,000 anti-social elements, including drug peddlers and habitual offenders, while contrabands worth Rs 10.56 crore have been confiscated and destroyed.
