DMK Questions CM Vijay Silence on Crimes During Heated Assembly Debate
On Friday, the opposition DMK and the ruling TVK clashed in the legislative assembly in Chennai over the state's law and order situation, with the debate sparking arguments over the Kolathur constituency as DMK MLA S. Austin accused Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay of remaining silent on rising crimes.
The heated debate, which took place during the motion of thanks to the governor’s address, escalated into a sharp exchange that touched upon the performance of the newly formed government.
Austin, the MLA representing Kanyakumari, claimed that the one-month-old TVK government had completely failed in its administration. He stated that people who voted for change were now expressing disappointment and regret, describing this as the general public perception.
Austin specifically targeted Chief Minister Vijay, accusing him of choosing to "remain tight-lipped" despite a reported rise in crimes against women and children.
This remark drew an immediate response from PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna, who intervened to defend the Chief Minister. Arjuna asserted that Vijay has been working hard and knows "when to speak and what to speak."
The exchange grew more tense when Arjuna alluded to the electoral defeat of former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in the Kolathur constituency, asking the opposition what had happened there. DMK legislators strongly condemned the minister’s remarks, while the Chief Minister remained silent during the confrontation.
Resuming his speech, Austin alleged that the TVK had come to power merely by utilizing social media platforms like Instagram. He argued that it was unjustifiable to compare the current Chief Minister to past leaders like C.N. Annadurai and M.G. Ramachandran. He also criticized the governor's address as an "empty statement" lacking new announcements or guarantees.
Arjuna countered by warning the opposition not to provoke them, stating that the ruling party was capable of giving a fitting reply while maintaining dignity. He added that the Chief Minister had directed swift action on crimes against women.
School Education Minister A. Rajmohan also defended the government against Austin's claims that a special anti-narcotics task force existed only on paper. Rajmohan stated that the TVK administration had arrested 4,000 anti-social elements, including drug peddlers, and seized and destroyed contrabands worth Rs 10.56 crore.
