‘Modern-day Nero’: BJP attacks MK Stalin over rising violence against women in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, accusing chief minister MK Stalin of failing to address the growing incidents of violence against women in the state.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Kesavan drew a striking comparison between the state administration and the infamous Roman emperor Nero. "The utterly incompetent, inconsiderate and insensitive DMK government, led by MK Stalin, can be best described as a modern-day Nero. Like Nero playing the fiddle while Rome was burning, CM Stalin and the DMK are busy making reels while brutal sexual assaults and violence against women continue unabated in Tamil Nadu," he said.




Kesavan further alleged that the government had failed to protect the mothers, daughters, and sisters of the state, calling the administration’s inaction "most condemnable."

He also targeted the DMK’s allies in other parties, questioning the silence of leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Congress. "Why have prominent figures like Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mamata Banerjee, who often speak on women’s rights globally, remained silent? Why haven’t they called Stalin to express concern? This highlights the hypocrisy of the DMK and its allies," Kesavan said.

The criticism echoes the broader campaign narrative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who during an NDA rally in Madurantakam in January had warned of a deteriorating law-and-order situation in Tamil Nadu. Modi recalled that former chief minister J Jayalalithaa had worked to control crime and emphasized that the NDA government would prioritize women’s safety.

"The worst impact of crime is on women. Selvi J Jayalalithaa worked to control crime, but today, women feel unsafe. I urge women to vote for the NDA, which will ensure your safety. Women’s convenience and health remain our priority; we have built over 60 lakh toilets," Modi had said.

The BJP and AIADMK are contesting the upcoming Assembly elections under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) banner, aiming to unseat the DMK-led coalition in Tamil Nadu.



(With agency inputs)