On Monday, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami sharply criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for his handling of the law and order situation in the state. Speaking to reporters in Salem, Palaniswami claimed that the Chief Minister, who also oversees the Home Department, has failed to grant sufficient autonomy to the police force, resulting in a deterioration of public safety.Palaniswami argued that merely transferring an Inspector General would not resolve the state’s law and order problems. “Law and order will be maintained if the Chief Minister handles his portfolio of the police department in an effective manner. As the state is ruled by an ineffective Chief Minister, there is no complete freedom for senior police officials. Hence, they couldnāt protect law and order,” he stated.
The AIADMK leader further alleged that the police’s inability to operate independently has led to an increase in crime, particularly in the sale of drugs. He emphasized that murders, dacoity, waylaying, and sexual assaults have become daily occurrences in Tamil Nadu. “If these crimes are to be curbed, then the police department should be given complete freedom,” Palaniswami insisted.
Addressing the recent murder of Bahujan Samaj Party state president K Armstrong, Palaniswami demanded the arrest of the true perpetrators. “There is no safety even for the leaders of a political party in the state,” he lamented, highlighting the growing concerns over political violence.
When questioned about the resignations of the Coimbatore and Tirunelveli mayors, Palaniswami dismissed suggestions that they were due to internal party conflicts. Instead, he claimed that the resignations were related to issues of corruption and commission-taking.
Palaniswami also condemned the recent CB-CID raids on the house and offices of former AIADMK minister MR Vijayabhaskar. He accused the ruling DMK of using these raids as a tactic to divert attention from the corruption charges against former DMK minister Senthilbalaji, who is currently in prison.
Palaniswami’s remarks underscore the escalating political tensions in Tamil Nadu, with the AIADMK leader holding the state government accountable for the perceived decline in law and order. His calls for greater police autonomy and his criticisms of the current administration highlight the significant challenges facing the state as it grapples with issues of crime and governance.