AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Tuesday, 2 June launched a pointed attack on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, accusing the newly-elected government of failing to control crime, drug trafficking, and violence against women in the state. The broadside came just 23 days into the Vijay administration, signalling that the principal opposition is wasting no time in pressing accountability.

Death in Tondiarpet Sparks Outrage

Palaniswami cited the reported death of Vishnu, a 23-year-old youth from Chennai's Tondiarpet area, who allegedly died after being beaten by a group that accused him of selling ganja. The AIADMK leader questioned whether extra-judicial violence had become the government's de facto response to drug-related offences.

'Is murder the solution when someone is suspected of involvement in narcotics? Is this the change that was promised to the people?' he asked in a strongly worded statement.

CM Vijay Accused of Dodging Accountability

The opposition leader also took aim at remarks Chief Minister Vijay reportedly made at a recent public event in Tiruchirappalli, alleging that the CM appeared to be deflecting governance failures onto administrative officers. Palaniswami argued that appointing officials was insufficient and that political leadership bore direct responsibility for law and order.

'The responsibility for maintaining law and order rests with the government. Attempting to evade accountability is unacceptable,' he said, adding that the CM's remarks amounted to an indirect admission of the administration's inability to curb the drug menace within its first three weeks in office.

Lioness Task Force Launch Stalled

Palaniswami further questioned the delay in launching the government's proposed Lioness Task Force, a special initiative aimed at bolstering women's safety across Tamil Nadu. He alleged that preparations for the rollout had reportedly been completed but the launch was postponed at the last minute without explanation.

'Until the task force becomes operational, are women expected to remain vulnerable? Why was the launch delayed when all preparations had reportedly been completed?' he asked.

Ruling Party Members Face Criminal Allegations

The AIADMK chief also cited reports that two functionaries of the ruling party had allegedly been arrested in connection with an alleged gang rape case near Thoothukudi. He questioned how the government could credibly maintain law and order when members of its own party faced serious criminal allegations.

What the Opposition Wants

Palaniswami urged Chief Minister Vijay to move beyond political messaging and focus on governance, stating that ensuring public safety and protecting women were the administration's foremost duties. With the Lioness Task Force still undeployed and high-profile crime incidents drawing scrutiny, the pressure on the month-old government is set to intensify.