Chennai, May 25 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s government came under sharp attack from Opposition parties on Monday over the law and order situation in the state, with leaders questioning the administration’s handling of crimes against women, children, and public safety.

Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin demanded that the Chief Minister explain the concrete measures taken by his government to curb rising criminal incidents, particularly offences involving women and children.

In a strongly worded social media post, Udhayanidhi questioned the effectiveness of the government’s much-publicised Singapen Athiradi Padai (Women Task Force) and accused the administration of failing to respond adequately to growing public concerns.

“Is this Tamil Nadu or Uttar Pradesh? Where is your Singapen Athiradi Padai? Why is the Chief Minister, who spoke boldly before the elections, silent now?” he asked.

The DMK leader alleged that the state had witnessed 25 murders, four double murders, and 19 sexual assault incidents during the past 15 days.

He claimed that, despite the ruling TVK government’s promises of change, law and order had weakened considerably.

Citing recent incidents, Udhayanidhi referred to the murder of a girl in Sulur and another alleged sexual assault case in Villupuram district.

He also raised concerns over reports that the Sulur victim’s body had allegedly been cremated without informing her mother.

He further pointed to the murder of a boy near Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple and a petrol bomb attack on a woman’s house in Coimbatore.

He also highlighted an incident in Perambur, represented by Chief Minister Vijay, where alleged drug peddlers reportedly vandalised vehicles.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami also criticised the government, expressing concern over recent criminal incidents and alleging that ruling TVK functionaries were intimidating people and government officials.

He additionally questioned the Chief Minister’s decision not to hold a press conference.

AMMK founder T.T.V. Dhinakaran joined the criticism, accusing the government of remaining passive despite repeated reports of sexual assaults involving minors across different districts.

The mounting criticism comes as the Vijay administration faces increasing pressure to demonstrate its ability to maintain law and order and fulfil its promises of improved governance.

–IANS

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