Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthran on Tuesday, 2 June launched a sharp attack on the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government over an alleged sexual assault case in Thoothukudi district, claiming that party functionaries were increasingly being linked to serious criminal offences. The BJP chief alleged that two TVK members were reportedly involved in the assault of a young woman in Srivaikuntam, raising questions about law and order under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

Key Allegations by BJP

In a statement posted on social media, Nagenthran said the incident had exposed what he described as a deteriorating law and order situation in Tamil Nadu. He alleged that complaints against TVK members had been mounting steadily since the party came to power, with offences escalating from corruption and bribery to more serious crimes including sexual assault and murder.

The BJP leader also levelled criticism at the composition of the state cabinet, alleging that certain individuals with criminal backgrounds had been elevated to ministerial positions. He argued this sent the wrong signal to society and weakened deterrence against crime.

Direct Attack on Chief Minister Vijay

Targeting Chief Minister and TVK president C. Joseph Vijay directly, Nagenthran urged him to prioritise governance and law enforcement over what he called publicity-oriented activities. “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 further questioned whether the Chief Minister fully grasped the urgency required in handling law and order matters, stressing that while administrative processes could take time, action against crime must be immediate and effective.

Broader Concerns on Governance

Nagenthran accused the TVK government of prioritising image-building and political propaganda over substantive governance. He said the recent incidents reflected, in his view, an administration lacking the experience needed to handle critical public safety issues.

“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.

Context and What Comes Next

The alleged assault in Srivaikuntam is the latest in a series of incidents that opposition parties in Tamil Nadu have used to challenge the TVK government’s law enforcement record. The BJP’s broadside comes amid growing scrutiny of the ruling party’s handling of crime-related complaints involving its own cadre. The TVK government had not issued an official response to Nagenthran’s statement at the time of reporting. How the government responds to both the criminal case and the political pressure is expected to shape the narrative around governance in Tamil Nadu in the coming days.