Biscuits under breakfast scheme exposes systemic issues: TN BJP chief Nainar

CHENNAI: BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran on Sunday urged Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to take action over an alleged lapse in the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme in Thoothukudi district and sought intervention in a reported assault incident involving a TVK functionary in Namakkal district.

Nainar Nagenthran referred to reports that around 40 students of a Panchayat Union Primary School in Vilathikulam in Thoothukudi were given biscuit packets because food under the breakfast scheme was unavailable.

He said the explanation that food shortage occurred due to an increase in student enrolment was unacceptable. "When the number of students increases, the administration must make arrangements to ensure adequate food. Failure to do so points to deficiencies in planning and implementation," he said.

Stressing that welfare schemes meant for students from economically weaker sections should be implemented without disruption, he urged Vijay to order departmental action against officials responsible for the lapse and take steps to prevent similar incidents in other government schools.

In a separate post on social media, the BJP leader referred to a video that allegedly showed a woman being followed, abused with caste-based remarks and assaulted by a person said to be a TVK functionary near Tiruchengode in Namakkal.

Alleging that those associated with the ruling party were involved in activities that warranted scrutiny, he urged the government to ensure accountability. "A government that cannot control its own party functionaries cannot effectively deal with criminal elements in society," he said.

The BJP leader also criticised the Chief Minister's style of governance and urged the government to focus on administration and public safety.