Dramatic scenes unfolded in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday as the Opposition party DMK sought to corner the ruling TVK government over the state’s law-and-order situation, following which Chief Minister (CM) Vijay challenged them to stay back and hear his response. 

Vijay rose from his seat during the proceedings and told the Speaker that he would address each of the questions raised by Opposition members when he speaks in the House on Monday. 

He also urged the Speaker to ensure that DMK members remained seated during his address instead of staging a walkout, as per a report by news agency PTI. 

Stalin raises questions over crime, drugs

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Udhayanidhi Stalin questioned the TVK government’s repeated criticism of the previous DMK administration over its handling of rampant drug smuggling. Stalin sought to know why the present government had promoted two senior police officers who had headed the same departments during the DMK’s tenure if the previous administration’s efforts had been inadequate. 

Furthermore, he alleged that Tamil Nadu had seen a spike in cases registered under the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, alongside a broader rise in crime. 

He went on to say that the previous DMK government had established special committees and had rolled out Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support victims and ensure speedy justice, as per the PTI report. 

Vijay asks Opposition to stay put

In response to the allegations, CM Vijay turned towards the Speaker, telling him that he would provide a detailed explanation on Monday. He said, “Honourable Speaker, for all the questions raised by the honourable members, I will provide a clear explanation when I come on Monday,” adding that he would obtain information about the questions raised even in his absence. 

He then made a pointed request to the Speaker, saying, “No one should get up and run away.” 

Fresh political row erupts over anti-NEET protests

Continuing his attack against the TVK government, Stalin also accused the government of suppressing democratic protests, including demonstrations against the National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test (NEET) at Marina Beach. He further alleged political interference in the handling of the protests. 

He remarked, “We expected the Chief Minister to respond. But he said he would reply on Monday and walked out of the House.” Meanwhile, Public Works Department Minister Aadhav Arjuna targeted the previous DMK government over figures contained in its policy notes concerning crime rates, including murder statistics for the years 2020 and 2021. 

Another uproar ensued over his remarks, as Opposition members rose in protest and chaotic scenes were witnessed inside the Assembly.