Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay told the Assembly that the police must serve as protectors of the public and should never become an independent power centre. Responding to concerns over law and order, he promised action against offenders regardless of their political connections.
TN Assembly Live Debate Begins Amid Law-and-Order Uproar
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly witnessed noisy scenes at the beginning of Monday’s proceedings as DMK members raised slogans and demanded an immediate discussion on a series of murders and the state’s law-and-order situation.
The opposition sought answers from the government over crimes reported during the previous three months. The issue led to heated exchanges before Chief Minister Vijay addressed the House and outlined his administration’s approach to policing and public safety.
Vijay maintained that the government would not protect anyone accused of criminal activity. He told legislators that the law must be applied equally, regardless of the political party or position associated with an alleged offender.
The chief minister said the police should be friendly toward law-abiding citizens while acting firmly against criminals. His remarks were intended to reassure the House that political affiliation would not influence investigations or enforcement.
CM Vijay Says Police Cannot Become a Power Centre
Vijay said the Police Department must remain accountable to the people and should not operate as a separate centre of authority. He called for a policing system that offers protection to ordinary citizens while taking strict action against individuals involved in crime.
“The police should not be a power centre; they should be the protectors of the people,” the chief minister told the Assembly.
Addressing murders and violent incidents recorded during the previous three months, Vijay said they had not occurred as part of one coordinated development. He attributed several cases to old disputes, personal hostility and revenge.
The chief minister argued that every crime could involve different circumstances and motives. He also accused opposition parties of using individual incidents to blame the entire government, while insisting that the police were acting in each case.
Referring to the murder of a college student in Coimbatore, Vijay said 36 people had been arrested. He presented the arrests as evidence of the government’s willingness to respond firmly and pursue those allegedly involved.
Tamil Nadu Drug Crackdown Expands Across All 37 Districts
Vijay also used his Assembly address to announce a determined campaign against drug abuse. Describing himself as a brother to the state’s young people, he said his government wanted to end the drug culture affecting communities across Tamil Nadu.
The chief minister identified peer pressure as one factor contributing to drug use among young people. He said anti-drug squads had been created in all 37 districts to improve enforcement, intelligence gathering and preventive action.
According to figures presented by Vijay, 330 cases were registered in Chennai under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act during the previous three months. He added that 556 people had been arrested in connection with those cases.
The government’s strategy is expected to combine police enforcement with measures addressing how young people are drawn into drug use. However, the chief minister did not provide additional details about rehabilitation, awareness campaigns or the resources assigned to the district squads.
Women’s Safety and Zero-Tolerance Policy Highlighted
The chief minister reiterated that his government would follow a zero-tolerance approach toward corruption. He also said authorities wanted to prevent crimes against women and children before they occurred instead of acting only after an incident was reported.
Vijay highlighted the formation of the Singappen Special Force as part of the government’s programme to prevent offences against women. He said such crimes could result from multiple factors and therefore required focused preventive measures.
The Assembly address placed policing, drug control, corruption and public safety at the centre of the government’s agenda. The opposition is nevertheless expected to continue questioning the administration over recent crimes and the effectiveness of its enforcement policies.
Vijay’s declaration that police should serve the public rather than function as a power centre is likely to remain a key political message from the session. Its impact will depend on enforcement, transparency and measurable improvements in public safety across Tamil Nadu.
