‘Don’t Run Away’: Vijay Dares DMK to Face His Reply in Assembly on Monday

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday challenged the Opposition DMK to remain in the Assembly on Monday to hear his detailed response to the allegations raised during the ongoing session, instead of staging a walkout.

Intervening during a heated debate, Vijay urged Speaker J C D Prabhakar to seek an assurance from DMK members that they would remain in the House throughout his address. The Chief Minister said he would provide a clear, point-by-point explanation to all questions raised by the Opposition.

The exchange took place during a discussion on the state government’s handling of law and order, with Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin targeting the ruling TVK administration over its criticism of the previous DMK government.

Stalin questioned the TVK government’s repeated allegations against the former administration over its handling of drug proliferation. He argued that if the previous government’s efforts to curb the drug menace had been ineffective, the present regime would not have promoted two senior police officers who had headed departments dealing with the issue during the DMK’s tenure.

The DMK leader also alleged a rise in POCSO cases and other crimes in Tamil Nadu. He said the previous DMK government had established special committees and introduced standard operating procedures to assist victims and ensure that cases were handled swiftly.

Stalin further questioned the rationale behind promoting police officials who had served during the previous DMK regime while simultaneously criticising the earlier government’s drug-control measures.

Responding immediately, Vijay rose from his seat and assured the House that he would address all the issues raised by Opposition members when he speaks on Monday.

The Chief Minister also made a pointed appeal through the Speaker, asking DMK members not to leave the House before hearing his response. He said he would obtain details of the questions raised even if he was not present and promised to provide answers to each of them.