Tamil Nadu Assembly sees a heated DMK-TVK clash over law and order as Udhayanidhi Stalin claims 550 serious crimes in 116 days. CM Vijay promises a detailed reply on Monday
New Delhi/Chennai: Law and order once again became a major political flashpoint in Tamil Nadu on Thursday, as the opposition DMK and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) clashed in the state Assembly.
The confrontation took place during a discussion on the demands for grants for the Police and Fire and Rescue Services departments. Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin raised serious questions over the government’s first 116 days in office and claimed that around 550 serious criminal incidents had been reported during this period.
According to Udhayanidhi, the alleged cases included around 200 murders, 300 sexual offences involving women and children, eight custodial deaths and 10 honour killings. He questioned the government over the opposition’s concerns about law and order and asked why the Chief Minister had not directly responded to the issues raised in the House.
Udhayanidhi Targets Government Over 116-Day Crime Figures
During the Assembly debate, Udhayanidhi argued that while the government could cite its relatively short tenure as a reason for delays in fulfilling electoral promises, the same argument could not be used when it came to law and order.
He maintained that the government should provide a clear explanation regarding the crime situation in the state and the measures being taken to address it.
The DMK leader also highlighted crimes against women and children and referred to cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He questioned what steps were being taken to ensure the safety of victims and speed up the delivery of justice in such cases.
Allegations Over Action Against TVK Functionaries
Udhayanidhi also referred to an alleged sexual assault case reported in Thoothukudi. He claimed that one of the accused was associated with the TVK and alleged that a party MLA had attempted to broker a compromise between the victim and the accused.
The DMK leader questioned why action had not been taken against the MLA.
Responding to the allegations, Rural Development and Water Resources Minister N. Anand rejected the opposition’s claims. He said the police registered a case as soon as the complaint was received and arrested both accused persons.
According to the minister, the TVK functionary involved in the case was also removed from the party. He further said that the investigation had not established any role for the MLA. The exchange led to a heated argument between members of the ruling party and the opposition in the Assembly.
Police Commission Recommendations Also Discussed
Udhayanidhi also called for the implementation of recommendations made by the Fifth Police Commission.
He claimed that the commission had made around 800 recommendations, of which 86 were implemented during the previous DMK government. He urged the present government to implement the remaining recommendations in a phased manner.
The opposition leader also criticised the government’s overall functioning. Udhayanidhi alleged that the TVK administration was giving greater importance to social media publicity than governance and the implementation of schemes.
He further claimed that no new scheme had been launched during the government’s first 116 days in office.
CM Vijay Promises Detailed Reply on Monday
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay intervened during the debate and assured the opposition that he would respond to the issues concerning law and order in the Assembly on Monday.
Vijay said he would address the points raised by the opposition one by one.
However, the political confrontation continued even after the Chief Minister’s intervention. After Vijay challenged the opposition to remain in the House until Monday, Udhayanidhi hit back by questioning the Chief Minister’s decision to leave the Assembly.
Udhayanidhi remarked that the Chief Minister had three days to prepare his response but had already left the House. The exchange added another political dimension to the debate over law and order.
Law and Order Battle Set to Continue
The Assembly debate went beyond crime figures and allegations. It also brought the functioning of the previous and current governments, policing, the safety of women and children and action against political functionaries into focus.
For now, Udhayanidhi’s figure of 550 serious crimes remains an allegation made by the opposition. The government has presented its position on specific cases, while Chief Minister Vijay has promised a detailed response on Monday.
The focus will now shift to the Chief Minister’s response and whether the government announces any fresh measures to address concerns over law and order.
The political confrontation is significant as the TVK government is facing sharp criticism from the opposition on the sensitive issue of law and order during the early months of its tenure. Monday’s Assembly proceedings are therefore likely to become the next major stage in the ongoing political battle.
