R S Bharathi, the organising secretary of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), delivered a scathing rebuttal on Monday to the accusations leveled by Leader of Opposition K Palaniswami and the state BJP president regarding drug circulation in Tamil Nadu. Bharathi staunchly refuted the allegations, asserting that it is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that bears responsibility for the proliferation of drugs throughout the country.
Addressing media persons in Cuddalore, Bharathi highlighted the hypocrisy of the BJP, particularly pointing out Annamalai’s remarks insinuating that Tamil Nadu is disproportionately affected by drug-related issues. Bharathi emphasized that Gujarat has witnessed the highest incidence of drug seizures, and he alleged that the Adani ports are central to the drug trade network. He firmly accused the BJP of facilitating the circulation of drugs across the nation.
Bharathi cited a case of a person convicted for 12 years in a drug-related offense joining the BJP in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He pointedly remarked on the BJP’s failure to take action against individuals involved in drug selling cases, including the son of a BJP MLA. Bharathi’s statements underscored the DMK’s stance on holding the BJP accountable for its role in perpetuating drug-related issues.
In response to the protests organised by AIADMK General Secretary Palaniswami, Bharathi drew attention to corruption scandals during the previous AIADMK regime, particularly the Gutkha scam involving several high-ranking officials, including DGPs. Bharathi highlighted the swift action taken by the DMK in expelling individuals implicated in drug-related cases, contrasting it with the alleged inaction of the AIADMK leadership.
Bharathi also criticised the delay in the CBI’s investigation into the seizure of cash from a container during the previous AIADMK regimes, suggesting ulterior motives behind the delay. He accused the CBI of engaging in a malicious campaign against the DMK government ahead of the polls, attributing it to the unity and strength of the INDIA bloc.