Tamilisai Soundararajan, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has sharply criticized the Tamil Nadu government’s policies, especially regarding women’s safety and law enforcement. She made several key points in her statement, which are discussed below:
1. Increase in Crimes Against Women:
Tamilisai criticized the Tamil Nadu government for the rising number of crimes against women in the state. She pointed out that there has been an increase in such crimes, while the government has failed to take effective action to protect women. This criticism highlights the government’s failure in implementing adequate measures to ensure the safety of women.
2. Anna University Sexual Assault Incident:
She also condemned the sexual assault of a student at Anna University, Chennai. Tamilisai expressed her concern over this incident, emphasizing the need for greater protection and action against such crimes. She noted that this incident, along with other rising crimes, reflects the government’s inefficiency in ensuring women’s safety.
3. Denial of Right to Protest:
Tamilisai expressed outrage at the government’s suppression of protests. She mentioned that even the right to protest was being denied in Tamil Nadu, as protesters were detained or prevented from assembling. She particularly referred to an incident where she was surrounded by police officers and not allowed to participate peacefully in a protest. This, she claimed, was an infringement on democratic rights and an authoritarian action by the state.
4. Police Actions:
She strongly condemned the police for their actions in suppressing peaceful protests. Tamilisai alleged that while protesters were being targeted, there was no real protection for women. The police’s excessive force against protesters, particularly women, was a key issue she raised. She criticized the Tamil Nadu police for not providing the necessary security to women in public spaces while aggressively targeting peaceful demonstrators.
5. Criticism of the Dravidian Model Government:
Tamilisai took a direct shot at the Dravidian model of governance championed by the DMK government. She argued that the Dravidian model government, under the current leadership, has failed to deliver on women’s safety and other vital public concerns. She emphasized that if Tamil Nadu women united and raised their voices, they could bring an end to the current regime and its policies, which she claimed fail to protect women’s rights.
6. Support for Criminals:
Tamilisai pointed out that criminals in Tamil Nadu are freely roaming the streets without fear of prosecution, while peaceful protesters are detained. She raised the issue that the government is protecting criminals and oppressing those who are fighting for justice. This, she argued, exemplified the government’s failure to uphold the rule of law.
7. Women’s Rights:
She reiterated the importance of ensuring women’s rights, safety, and freedom of expression. Tamilisai emphasized that women must have the right to voice their concerns and demand justice without fear of repression. She highlighted that the government’s current policies fail to protect these fundamental rights.
Call for Change:
Finally, Tamilisai called on the women of Tamil Nadu to unite and raise their voices against the current government’s policies. She stated, “If Tamil Nadu women think together, they can throw out this Dravidian model government,” urging a collective effort to bring about a change in governance for the betterment of women’s safety and rights.
These statements shed light on the challenges in Tamil Nadu regarding women’s safety, police actions, and the broader political environment. Tamilisai’s criticism points to a growing discontent with the current government’s approach to women’s issues and its handling of protests and law enforcement.
