‘Where Is the Maternal Uncle?’ Kanimozhi Slams CM Vijay Over Women’s Safety

DMK Deputy General Secretary Kanimozhi on Monday criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay over the state’s law and order situation, accusing his government of failing to ensure women’s safety and protect children.

Alleging “complete inactivity” on women’s safety, the DMK MP cited cases of missing children in Senji and Ranipet, claiming the government had failed to take adequate measures to trace them and deliver justice.

She also referred to the murder of a woman in Madurantakam and a violent attack on a family in Thoothukudi, expressing concern that criminal elements were operating with a sense of impunity because of alleged political patronage. Taking a swipe at the government’s ‘Thaimaman Seer’ (Maternal Uncle’s Gift) scheme, Kanimozhi questioned Vijay’s commitment to protecting the public.

“They have announced a scheme called ‘Thaimaman Seer’. But the maternal uncle himself is nowhere to be found. The maternal uncle who is supposed to protect us where did he go?” she asked. Alleging that ruling party functionaries were involved in criminal activities and sexual violence, she said they appeared to believe they were protected by the ruling establishment.

Questioning the state’s governance, Kanimozhi asked whether Tamil Nadu was a welfare state or a lawless land. She urged the government to acknowledge its responsibilities and act to protect citizens, particularly women and children. She also said people were living in fear, feeling unsafe both inside and outside their homes.

DMK president M K Stalin had similarly criticised the government, alleging that the public had been alarmed by murders, robberies, sexual assaults and cases of missing children over the past two months. In a post on X, Stalin recalled Vijay’s pre-election criticism of the state’s law and order situation, asking whether the actor-turned-politician had predicted the current situation.

Stalin also questioned whether voters who had seen Vijay as a screen hero capable of protecting people were now disappointed by his government’s response to crime. Vijay had repeatedly criticised the state’s law and order before assuming office, promising to address the issue if elected.