Chennai: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu president, Nainar Nagenthran, on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government over an alleged sexual assault case in Thoothukudi district, claiming that members of the ruling party were increasingly being linked to serious criminal offences.
In a statement posted on social media, Nagenthran expressed shock over reports that two TVK functionaries were allegedly involved in the sexual assault of a young woman in Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi district.
He said the incident had raised serious concerns about the law and order situation in the state and questioned the ability of the government to maintain public safety.
The BJP leader alleged that complaints involving TVK members had been mounting since the party came to power.
According to him, allegations that initially involved corruption and bribery had now escalated to more serious crimes, including sexual assault and murder.
Targeting Chief Minister and TVK president C. Joseph Vijay, Nagenthran said the Chief Minister should focus on governance and law enforcement rather than publicity-oriented activities.
He urged Vijay to take immediate steps to ensure that people were protected from criminal elements, irrespective of their political affiliations.
“Instead of engaging in lengthy public speeches, the Chief Minister must recognise the responsibility attached to his office and act decisively to safeguard the people of Tamil Nadu,” Nagenthran said.
He argued that maintaining law and order was one of the primary duties of any government and required swift and effective intervention whenever serious crimes were reported.
The BJP leader also criticised the composition of the State Cabinet, alleging that some individuals with criminal backgrounds had been given ministerial positions. Such decisions, he claimed, sent the wrong message to society and weakened efforts to curb crime.
“If persons facing criminal allegations are elevated to positions of power, how can offences be reduced? How can it serve as a deterrent to those involved in unlawful activities?” he asked.
Nagenthran further accused the TVK government of prioritising image-building and political propaganda over governance.
He said the recent incidents reflected what he described as the administration’s lack of experience in handling critical issues related to public safety.
The state BJP chief also questioned whether the Chief Minister understood the urgency required in dealing with law and order matters, stressing that while administrative processes could take time, action against crime had to be immediate and effective.
(IANS)
