Stalin Questions Vijay's London Trip, Alleges Law and Order Decline in Tamil Nadu

DMK president MK Stalin on Saturday questioned Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's recent visit to London, asking what investments the trip had brought to the state. Addressing the annual Mupperum Vizha event at Kalaignar Arangam at the DMK headquarters, Stalin said the Chief Minister had signed agreements in London with a company that was Indian, and asked why such a visit was necessary.

Taking an apparent swipe at Vijay's film background, Stalin remarked that the Chief Minister had earlier said he would stop acting in films but continued to perform before the public, adding that what was once local shooting had now become foreign shooting.

Stalin alleged that Tamil Nadu was witnessing a deterioration in law and order, frequent power cuts and a rise in prices. He said the main competition in the state was between power cuts and sickle attacks, and claimed that murders, attacks and shootings were being reported across Tamil Nadu. Members of the ruling party, he alleged, were involved in illegal drug sales and were being arrested.

"Every day, there are murders to an extent that it is difficult to keep count," Stalin said, alleging that the state had become a hunting ground for criminals. He also referred to alleged violence during Vinayagar Chaturthi processions and said people were facing midnight power cuts while prices had increased unpredictably.

Criticising the functioning of the Assembly, Stalin alleged it had been disrupted by a "reels craze" and questioned the focus on displaying the Chief Minister on screens inside the House. He said people who questioned the government over its promises were being subjected to reels and defamatory campaigns, and suggested the ruling party rename itself from "Victory Kazhagam" to "Reels Kazhagam."

On the upcoming by-election, Stalin alleged it was a "forced by-election," claiming that a resignation came soon after the ink on voters' fingers had dried and that the seat was now being contested under another symbol. He alleged democracy had been undermined by the manner in which the by-election was necessitated.

Referring to MISA arrests, Stalin said there was no need for anyone to prove his arrest and claimed that late DMK leader Chitti Babu had documented the arrests. "No one has the qualification to give marks for my sacrifice," he said.

Stalin also highlighted the DMK's political journey, saying the party had witnessed several victories and defeats over the years. He credited party cadres and supporters for making him party president and Chief Minister, and thanked them for their continued support and affection. He said the present administration was functioning with the support of alliance partners, and alleged that several welfare schemes introduced during the DMK regime were now being implemented in different forms and renamed.

He said those who believed that the movement was bigger than themselves would "certainly return soon," without elaborating further.