Chennai, Aug 31:
Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran has urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to take decisive steps to curb the alleged spread of drug and alcohol-related crimes in the state, accusing the TVK government of failing to adequately address the issue.
In a post on X, Nagendran referred to the recent killing of Hindu Munnani functionary Thanikachalam near the old bus stand in Rajapalayam.
He said reports that the man was allegedly chased and stabbed to death by youths under the influence of intoxicants were deeply disturbing.
Nagendran conveyed his condolences to the family of the deceased and used the incident to raise wider concerns over drug abuse and law and order in Tamil Nadu.
He claimed that despite the TVK government’s announcement that 717 TASMAC outlets had been closed after it assumed office, alcohol consumption among youngsters and crimes associated with substance abuse had not declined.
The BJP leader alleged that criminals had little fear of the police or the law and claimed that alcohol and narcotic substances were circulating widely among different sections of society.
Nagendran said videos circulating on social media appeared to show the easy availability of alcohol and drugs among youngsters and even school students. These claims, however, were part of his political criticism of the government.
He also criticised Chief Minister Vijay and his ministers for what he described as an excessive focus on making “reels” instead of concentrating on people’s real-life problems.
Nagendran urged the Chief Minister to move beyond political rhetoric and take concrete measures to protect young people and improve public safety.
He said the government must give greater priority to preventing substance abuse, strengthening enforcement and ensuring that people involved in drug-related crimes face effective action.
The BJP leader’s remarks add to growing political pressure on the TVK government over law and order and youth-related issues.
The criticism also signals that the opposition BJP is seeking to make the alleged drug menace and public safety important issues in its campaign against the ruling dispensation.