Tamil Maanila Congress chief Vasan backs Annamalai, flags TN law and order
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) President G.K. Vasan on Saturday, 6 June, congratulated former Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President K. Annamalai on launching a new political movement, while raising sharp concerns over deteriorating law and order, farmers' distress, and the Mekedatu dam dispute in Tamil Nadu. Vasan was speaking to reporters in Erode.
Praise for Annamalai and Praggnanandhaa
Vasan extended his congratulations to Annamalai for his new political venture, signalling a degree of cross-party goodwill toward the former BJP state chief's independent initiative. He also praised Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa for his historic victory at the Norway Chess Tournament, calling it a moment of national pride.
Law and Order Concerns
Turning to state affairs, the TMC chief alleged that incidents of murder, robbery, theft, and crimes against women continued to be reported from across Tamil Nadu despite a change in government. He urged the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led state administration to act firmly against offenders. 'Criminals must be dealt with strictly and punishments should act as a deterrent,' Vasan said, reiterating the TMC's long-standing support for the death penalty in cases of heinous sexual crimes.
Farmers' Grievances and Agricultural Policy
Vasan claimed the ruling TVK-led government had failed to retain the confidence of farmers, who were reportedly protesting over the incomplete waiver of agricultural loans. He argued that Tamil Nadu needed a government that placed greater emphasis on agriculture and farmer welfare, describing the current situation as a breach of trust with the rural electorate.
Mekedatu Dam and TNEB Hard Disk Row
On the long-standing Mekedatu dam dispute, Vasan criticised what he described as contradictory positions taken by political parties and urged the Tamil Nadu government to press national leaders more aggressively to safeguard the state's water interests, noting that Karnataka remained firm in its push to build the project. He also demanded clarity over the reported disappearance of a hard disk from a Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) office, saying the incident had raised serious questions and suspicions that warranted a transparent response from the government.
FIR Against Minister and Party Expansion
Responding to a query on the registration of an FIR against Minister K.N. Nehru, Vasan said the law must be allowed to take its course without interference. He also cautioned that voters should never be taken for granted and stressed that the administration must work continuously to earn and retain public trust. Vasan announced that a TMC organisational meeting would be held in Chennai on 14 June to discuss strategies for expanding the party's presence across Tamil Nadu. Senior party functionaries including State General Secretary Yuvaraj, State Vice-President Vidyal Sekhar, State Executive Committee member S.T. Chandrasekhar, and District President Vijayakumar were present at the interaction in Erode.