Madurantakam (Tamil Nadu): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK supremo C Joseph Vijay launched a scathing attack against the Opposition on Friday, alleging a secret collusion among the DMK, AIADMK and the BJP to hush up a high-profile POCSO case involving granite industrialist R Veeramani.

Addressing a campaign rally for the October 6 Madurantakam by-election, necessitated by former AIADMK MLA K Maragatham Kumaravel’s resignation and subsequent move to the TVK, Vijay placed the long-standing child abuse allegations against the Gem Granites founder at the centre of his address.

“What was the deal, Tamil Nadu is asking. Stalin Sir, open your mouth. Joining hands with you, the AIADMK is also not opening its mouth. Should there be a collusion even in this issue? Will you not open your mouth by having an understanding even in this matter?” Vijay asked, questioning why previous complaints against Veeramani were allegedly buried.

The Chief Minister asserted that while he tolerated personal attacks and offensive remarks directed at his own mother, he would never accept the obscene language directed by DMK functionaries at the women of Tamil Nadu. Framing his party as a “pure force” fighting against “evil forces”, he appealed to the electorate to punish those who demean women by voting for TVK’s whistle symbol.

Turning his focus to the opposition dynamics, Vijay claimed that the AIADMK had effectively transformed into a subsidiary of the DMK. “The name of DMK in Delhi is the BJP. The name of BJP in Tamil Nadu is DMK,” Vijay declared, asserting that the political rivals operate with a covert understanding to block the TVK’s governance agenda.

Addressing economic criticism regarding state borrowings, Vijay defended his administration's financial decisions, explaining that loans were secured solely to deliver on welfare guarantees rather than to siphon off public funds. He noted that while his government is currently delivering three free cooking gas cylinders instead of the six promised in the election manifesto, citizens remain confident in his commitment to fulfill all commitments in due course.

 

PTI