Chennai
BJP National Spokesperson C. R. Kesavan strongly criticised the state administration led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, alleging that the government has failed to ensure the safety and security of women.
Drawing a sharp comparison, Kesavan said the situation in Tamil Nadu resembled the historical account of Nero, who was said to have played music while Rome burned. Nero merrily played the fiddle when Rome was burning, and when brutal sexual assaults and violent attacks are happening in broad daylight on our mothers, daughters and sisters in Tamil Nadu, the DMK government led by M.K. Stalin, who is also the Home Minister, is busy making reels, he said.
He further alleged that the state government has completely failed in its responsibility to protect women. According to him, the rising incidents of sexual assault have created fear among women across the state and raised serious concerns about law and order.
The government has utterly failed in its responsibility, and women in Tamil Nadu do not feel safe or secure. The sexual assaults on women have shaken the conscience of the entire country. This is the pathetic state of affairs in Tamil Nadu, Kesavan told IANS.
The BJP leader also criticised leaders of opposition parties for what he described as their silence on the issue. He questioned why leaders from parties allied with the DMK had not publicly expressed concern.
Kesavan specifically named senior leaders such as Sonia Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, accusing them of hypocrisy.
He said these leaders often issue statements, write editorials or raise concerns in Parliament about women’s issues in other contexts, but have remained silent regarding incidents in Tamil Nadu. According to Kesavan, they should have directly spoken to Chief Minister Stalin to express their concern and demand action.
The remarks come amid intensifying political exchanges in Tamil Nadu as the state prepares for upcoming elections, with women’s safety and law and order emerging as key issues in the political debate.