Is Stalin Delaying the Appointment of a Full-Time DGP?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The AIADMK alleges political manipulation in delaying the DGP appointment.
- Public safety is at risk due to the vacant DGP position.
- Political interference in law enforcement could undermine its effectiveness.
- The ruling party's response to protests raises concerns about democratic norms.
- Immediate action is needed to restore trust in the police force.
Chennai, Oct 21 (IANS) The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has launched a fierce critique against Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). They claim that the government is intentionally postponing the appointment of a full-time Director General of Police (Law and Order) to gain a political edge in the upcoming Assembly elections.
AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) stated that the Stalin administration is “playing with the safety and morale” of the Tamil Nadu Police by stalling a vital administrative appointment for political purposes.
“The previous DGP's term ended in August, and even though the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has provided a final list of three qualified officers, the Chief Minister has yet to appoint a successor. This delay evidently highlights the government's desire to select a compliant officer who will align with the DMK’s political agenda,” the statement read.
EPS further alleged that Stalin’s choice to leave the DGP position unfilled undermines the autonomy of the police force and jeopardizes public safety.
“Law and order cannot be treated as a playground for electoral maneuvering,” the statement continued.
“When police officers are reduced to mere photo opportunities rather than being empowered to serve with integrity, it mocks the principles of governance.”
The AIADMK criticized the ruling party for displaying “arrogance and insensitivity” within the Assembly.
Referring to a recent incident where AIADMK legislators donned black armbands in protest, Palaniswami remarked, “Instead of honoring democratic dissent, Speaker M. Appavu ridiculed the protest by questioning if it was due to ‘high blood pressure’, while DMK MLA Regupathy belittled it by equating it to a ‘prison uniform’.”
“The DMK government’s disregard for democratic principles and its attempts to politicize the police force present a troubling trend,” EPS stated.
“Tamil Nadu deserves leadership that prioritizes professionalism over compliance and law over politics. The safety of our citizens must not be compromised for the DMK’s electoral strategies.”
He urged the Chief Minister to promptly appoint a qualified and independent police chief to restore faith in the state’s law enforcement system and uphold democratic accountability.