Edappadi K Palaniswami attacks Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay over Chennai youth’s murder, questions law and order

CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday attacked chief minister C Joseph Vijay over the murder of a 23-year-old youth in Chennai’s Tondiarpet, questioning his handling of law and order and style of governance.

Referring to reports that Vishnu was beaten to death for questioning ganja sales in the locality, Palaniswami asked whether speaking out against drugs and contrabands now invited murder. “Is this the change that was promised?” he said in a social media post, tagging CM’s official X handle.

He also criticised Vijay’s speech in Trichy, saying the CM had expressed anguish over others questioning him for the prevailing law and order situation.Palaniswami conitnued in the same vein and accused Vijay of functioning like a “reel hero” detached from the responsibilities of office.

“Appointing officials alone would not ensure governance, noting that the same bureaucracy had served under successive govts and that accountability must rest with the leadership,” said the AIADMK leader, referring to Vijay’s remark that he appointed efficient officers to maintain law and order.

Palaniswami also targeted Vijay, who holds the police portfolio, accusing him of evading responsibility for law and order and indirectly admitting his govt’s inability to curb drug and narcotics circulation.

Referring to reports of sexual assaults and other criminal cases involving the ruling TVK functionaries in the last three weeks in the state, Palaniswami questioned how a leader unable to control his own party members could administer the police force or ensure public safety.

He also questioned the delay in launching the proposed “Singappen” special force for women’s safety. “Why was the programme cancelled at the last minute despite preparations being completed last week?” he asked.