Chennai: DMK president M K Stalin on Saturday said the statewide protests organised by the party’s women’s wing had drawn large numbers of women, including those not affiliated to any political party, reflecting growing public anger against TVK govt over rising prices and deteriorating law and order.Calling the protests a “wake-up call” for the state govt, Stalin criticised chief minister C Joseph Vijay for allegedly targeting critics and making political appearances in constituencies where bypolls are due. “The women of Tamil Nadu have sounded a warning bell that CM should devote as much attention to governance and administration as he does to hounding his critics and staging grand shows in constituencies facing by-elections,” Stalin said in a post on X.The former CM said women were angry over rising electricity bills and grocery prices, while inflation had made it difficult for poor families to make ends meet. He also alleged that crimes against women were increasing and that the deteriorating law and order situation had made parents fearful of allowing their children to play outside.Addressing a demonstration in Chennai, DMK women’s wing leader and MP Kanimozhi Rajathi Karunanidhi accused the administration of prioritising political vendetta by arresting DMK functionaries over maintaining public order while more than 50 inmates, including 17 from Theni jail, escaped from custody. “The previous DMK govt had taken several measures to encourage women to step out of their homes and excel in various fields. The situation has changed — women are not safe inside their own homes,” she said, referring to the recent murders of women.Taking a direct swipe at Vijay, she said, “We request you to provide pepper spray to women in the state through PDS outlets. It will help them protect themselves as you have failed in your duty,” and displayed a bottle of pepper spray bearing Vijay’s picture.
