Chief Minister Vijay Accuses DMK of Hiding Child Abuse Case and Criticizes AIADMK

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK president C. Joseph Vijay on Friday accused the ruling DMK of hiding a child sexual abuse case under the POCSO Act involving Gem Granites owner R. Veeramani, even though authorities registered the case while the party was in power. Speaking at a campaign meeting in Madurantanakam for the upcoming Assembly byelection, Mr. Vijay challenged DMK president M.K. Stalin to explain what secret deal happened behind the scenes and criticized the AIADMK for staying silent, questioning if it had an understanding with the DMK. He claimed the accused ruined the lives of young girls for many years and asked what both major parties were doing if they could not speak about the pain of children. During the event near the Attur toll plaza on the Chennai-Tiruchi National Highway, Mr. Vijay campaigned for the TVK-led Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance nominee Maragatham Kumaravel. He alleged the DMK continuously spread false claims against him and his party. He stated that his political success and the TVK securing 35% of the votes to become the single largest party in roughly two and a half years came from his bond with the people of Tamil Nadu. He also claimed Mr. Stalin made disrespectful remarks about former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, and argued that the AIADMK lost its mask by joining hands with those who insulted her, calling the AIADMK a local unit of the DMK and a branch of the BJP. Addressing corruption allegations raised in the Assembly, Mr. Vijay said he brought up past corruption to show the younger generation its roots, while the Opposition shouted to stop him from speaking. He also defended taking government loans, stating they were meant to help the public rather than for looting. Urging voters to support the TVK 'Whistle' symbol, he stated that every vote for his party would punish those who made derogatory remarks about women.