T.N. Assembly: Total breakdown of law and order under DMK’s rule, alleges Palaniswami

AIADMK general secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami, on Tuesday (January 20, 2026), alleged a total breakdown of law and order was prevailing in Tamil Nadu under the DMK’s rule. Besides, he charged proliferation of narcotic substances was rampant.

Addressing journalists outside the Assembly after leading a walkout of his party’s legislators, Mr. Palaniswami, citing several issues raised by the Lok Bhavan justifying Governor R.N. Ravi’s refusal to read out his speech, said when the AIADMK was in power, there was rule of law in the State. However, in the last four-and-a-half years under the DMK government, no day had passed without incidents of murder, robbery and sexual abuse, he said.

“Though the AIADMK has repeatedly urged the State government to control the drug menace, the government has not paid heed. Students and youth are getting addicted to drugs and are being driven into serious criminal activities. The DMK should be removed from power for its misrule,” he said.

‘CM’s remarks a violation of convention’

Responding to a question on Mr. Ravi’s walkout and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s response, the AIADMK leader said, “During the Governor’s address in the Assembly, only his speech should go on record. However, the Chief Minister also made his own remarks in it. This is a violation of established convention.”

BJP, TMC condemn DMK govt.

BJP leader and Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan said the Governor’s demand that the national anthem be rendered was ignored. She claimed the State government’s intention was the Governor should not read out the address.

In a statement, Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) president G.K. Vasan said, “Not allowing the Governor to speak in the Assembly is unacceptable. It is condemnable that the State government has been continuously showing disrespect to the Governor.”