DMK president M.K. Stalin
| Photo Credit: S. Siva Saravanan

DMK president M.K. Stalin on Monday (October 19, 2026) charged that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s negligence was costing lives in Tamil Nadu and urged him to focus on the police department instead of taking “rest”.

“Incidents of violence and murder, and the seizure of drugs by central agencies, show that the Chief Minister is not paying adequate attention to the police department. Chief Minister sir, your negligence is costing lives. You advised people to give up drugs and take up sports. You should give up rest first,” he said in a social media post.

Mr. Stalin said the murder of history-sheeter Madan, who was out on bail, raised questions about whether those released on bail were being monitored.

“A nurse was sexually assaulted and murdered near Perundurai. The police could recover her body only after five days. Office-bearers of the ruling TVK are taking advantage of the State government and indulging in drug smuggling,” he said.

Mr. Stalin wondered whether TVK members were learning such activities by watching films starring Mr. Vijay. “Are the police unable to nab them, or are they turning a blind eye because they are ruling party members?” he asked.

He said that if the Chief Minister was genuinely committed to curbing the drug menace, he should first rein in his party members. To achieve this, he had to keep the police department under his control.

“But what is happening? Mr. Vijay is holding the post of Chief Minister only nominally. Has he outsourced the police department, as he has already left several subjects to other Ministers?” he asked.

Published – October 19, 2026 01:24 pm IST