COIMBATORE: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday launched a sharp attack on AIADMK general secretary ‘Edappadi’ K Palaniswami saying he has no locus standi to speak on women’s safety, which deteriorated during the previous AIADMK regime.
Addressing a campaign meeting in Erode, Stalin said the DMK government however enforced stringent legal measures to combat crimes against women, including provisions enabling the death penalty in most heinous cases.
“Under the dravidian model of governance, charge sheets had been filed within 60 days in over 86 per cent of cases involving crimes against women,” he said.
Claiming that Tamil Nadu leads the country in women job goers, Stalin said, “Women feel secure due to the laws implemented by this government. This, in turn, has encouraged industrial growth,” he said.
Targets opposition, highlights welfare measures
Taking a direct swipe at Palaniswami, Stalin accused him of spreading misinformation and aligning with the BJP to pave the way for an NDA government in the state. “Development and progress under this government have upset him,” Stalin remarked.
Citing high-profile incidents such as the Pollachi sexual assault case and allegations of misconduct involving a senior police official in the rank of DGP against a women SP during the previous regime, Stalin said, “Women’s safety had become a serious concern under AIADMK rule. Our government has restored confidence, enabling women to pursue education and employment without fear,” he said.
Outlining various welfare initiatives rolled out for women, Stalin said the DMK government had ensured that at least one member in every family benefits from its schemes, many of which are focused on women’s empowerment and social security.
Stalin also criticized opposition parties and their alliance, by referring to remarks by Amit Shah, who had previously accused AIADMK ministers of corruption. “Both Palaniswami and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have no achievement to say during campaigns. Rather, we have their long list of betrayals that affected Tamil Nadu including issues related to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), NEET, and farm laws,” he said.