The Aryavarth Express Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Ahead of the Assembly elections, Tamil Nadu Minister S. Regupathy on Tuesday accused the opposition AIADMK and BJP of attempting to create a “false perception” about the safety of women in the state.
Addressing a press conference, Regupathy challenged AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami to present comparative statistics on murder rates during the AIADMK’s tenure and the current government led by M. K. Stalin. He stated that the present administration has introduced measures to protect the confidentiality of women filing complaints, encouraging more victims to come forward—something he claimed was lacking under the previous regime.
Regupathy also took aim at Palaniswami’s leadership, alleging that his election campaign has been ineffective and that his focus remains on retaining his position within the party.
The comments come after BJP leader Vanathi Srinivasan raised concerns over women’s safety, claiming that incidents of harassment and violence have been frequently reported in recent days. She criticised the state government’s response and said the BJP and its allies would continue protests over the law and order situation.
Meanwhile, Palaniswami intensified his attack on the ruling government, accusing Chief Minister Stalin of failing to maintain law and order and citing issues such as alleged drug activity near schools and the unresolved murder of BSP leader K. Armstrong.
The political sparring comes as the Election Commission of India has announced that Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.
