Is Chief Minister Stalin Using Police to Silence Opposition?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nainar Nagenthran accuses the Tamil Nadu police of political bias.
- The Chief Minister's statements regarding the Karur tragedy are disputed.
- Claims of systemic denial of public meeting permissions for opposition parties.
- The BJP leader calls for accountability from the Tamil Nadu government.
- The situation raises serious concerns regarding political freedom in the state.
Chennai, Oct 15 (NationPress) The president of the Tamil Nadu BJP, Nainar Nagenthran, has accused the state police of operating under the direct orders of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to stifle the voices of opposition parties.
Addressing journalists in the State Assembly complex in Chennai, Nagenthran stated, “Every party leader raised concerns regarding the Karur tragedy. When the Chief Minister spoke, he conveniently cleared his government of any blame. However, we felt it was necessary to respond in the Assembly today because his statements neglected the actual facts.”
Discussing the tragic event in Karur, Nagenthran mentioned that during the address by Tamil Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay at the Karur Veluchamipuram event, a shoe was thrown at him when he referred to the “Rs 10 bottle commission.”
“Moreover, the generator was instantly shut down, the power supply was terminated, and the police resorted to a lathi charge,” he added.
Nevertheless, according to Nagenthran, the Chief Minister claimed in his Assembly address that five DSPs and 500 police personnel were present at the location.
“That is utterly false,” he contended. “There were barely any police officers present. If there had been adequate police presence, this tragedy could have been averted. The truth is that the police are executing the Chief Minister’s directives to silence opposition parties.”
Nagenthran further charged the DMK government with systematically denying opposition parties permission to hold public meetings.
“Whenever we seek permission, it is denied, forcing us to appeal to the courts. In the case of Karur, we had requested permission to hold the event at the roundabout area, which was spacious and safe. Had the government sanctioned that location, the 41 deaths could have been prevented,” he said.
Describing the loss of lives as “extremely painful and unacceptable,” the BJP leader asserted that the responsibility lies squarely with the Tamil Nadu government, which, according to him, “chose to allow the event in a confined space despite clear warnings.”
He called on the state to cease the misuse of police forces for political gains and to hold accountable those responsible for the Karur tragedy.