Chennai, Oct 24: Opposition parties DMK and AIADMK have criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay over alleged rising crimes against women in the state. The opposition leaders accused the TVK government of failing to ensure women’s safety and demanded strict action against those involved in criminal cases.
The criticism follows a series of reported incidents, including the murder of a woman during a midnight house intrusion in Thoothukudi district and the alleged sexual harassment of a college student near Nagercoil in Kanyakumari district by a functionary of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Udhayanidhi Stalin Questions Vijay Government
DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin, criticised the government, calling it a “sofa model” administration. He accused Chief Minister Vijay of prioritising social media reels over public safety and questioned the government’s response to crimes against women.
Referring to the incident near Sathankulam in Thoothukudi district, Udhayanidhi said an armed gang allegedly entered a house at midnight while the family was asleep. Mary Regila was killed, while her husband and son sustained serious injuries and were hospitalised. The attackers also abducted her two daughters, who were later rescued by police.
Udhayanidhi also referred to reported offences against minor girls in Tirunelveli and Velankanni, along with allegations of sexual harassment involving a TVK district functionary in Kanyakumari.
He questioned why effective measures had not been implemented to control crime despite the government being in office for five months. He demanded prompt, fair and thorough legal action to deliver justice to the victims and their families.
EPS Criticises Singappen Special Task Force
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami also criticised the TVK government over women’s safety. He alleged that harassment cases involving ruling party functionaries had raised concerns and demanded strict action without political interference.
Palaniswami expressed shock over the alleged sexual harassment of a college student near Nagercoil. According to reports, Christopher, a TVK district functionary, allegedly approached the student while she was waiting for a bus, claiming that he wanted to help her.
Questioning the effectiveness of the government’s women’s safety measures, Palaniswami said the all-women Singappen Special Task Force, launched in June to protect women, appeared to have become inactive.
He asked the government to explain the task force’s role in preventing crimes against women and ensuring the safety of students and young women.
AIADMK Urges Women to Remain Alert
Palaniswami urged women and schoolgirls to remain vigilant when approached by strangers offering assistance. He advised them to contact the police immediately if they felt threatened.
He also suggested carrying self-defence equipment in handbags, arguing that women should not be left to protect themselves without adequate government support.
The opposition parties have called for stronger law enforcement, impartial investigations and accountability in cases involving alleged crimes against women. The incidents have intensified political criticism of the Vijay-led TVK government over its commitment to women’s safety in Tamil Nadu.
