DMK vs AIADMK: 2 More Killings Of Political Party Workers Spark Blame Game In Tamil Nadu

Two political workers in Tamil Nadu have been murdered within a span of 24 hours. Selvakumar, a BJP worker from Sivaganga district, was found dead last night. In neighbouring Puducherry, Padmanabhan, an AIADMK Ward Secretary from Cuddalore district, was also killed.

Selvakumar, who was the president of the party's district cooperative wing and an accused in a murder case, was involved in the brick kiln business. A senior officer media, "Selvakumar was into the brick kiln business... We have identified the suspect. Personal enmity appears to be the cause of murder".

Political Murders Stir Controversy

Padmanabhan's death involved a car hitting him while he was on his motorbike, followed by him being hacked to death. Investigators from Puducherry have rushed to Cuddalore and suspect this to be a revenge killing.

This marks the third murder of a political functionary in Tamil Nadu this month. Armstrong, the state chief of Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party, was killed by a six-member gang a few weeks ago. Investigators believe it was retaliation for Armstrong allegedly orchestrating the murder of Arcot Suresh last year.

In another incident, an NTK functionary was killed in Madurai due to a family land dispute. This morning, Jackson, the husband of a Congress councillor in Kanniyakumari and a driver by profession, was also murdered by hacking.

DMK vs AIADMK: Political Blame Game

The recent murders have put pressure on the ruling DMK government. The Chennai Police chief and Home Secretary were recently replaced with A Arun and Dheeraj Kumar respectively. However, one accused in Armstrong's murder case was shot dead after these changes.

The Opposition AIADMK has criticised DMK over these incidents. Kovai Sathyan, AIADMK spokesperson, stated that these murders "clearly illustrate the lawlessness in the state and the incompetence of Chief Minister M K Stalin".

BJP state chief K Annamalai echoed similar sentiments on X (formerly Twitter), questioning MK Stalin's moral right to continue as Chief Minister.

DMK Defends Law and Order

The ruling DMK has defended its position by citing data from the National Crime Records Bureau. They argue that Tamil Nadu's law and order situation is better than BJP-ruled states. Dr Hafeezullah, DMK spokesperson, said, "A no-crime situation is utopian across the world. What is important is how the government responds and prevents. Chief Minister M K Stalin has dealt with these firmly and professionally".

He also pointed out that many BJP workers are involved in criminal activities including murder and drug cases. He suggested that Annamalai should introspect whether he should continue as state BJP president.

BJP's Tamilisai Soundarajan mentioned that criminals were admitted into the party without scrutiny during Annamalai's leadership which "didn't happen" when she headed the party.

The ongoing political violence has intensified tensions between DMK and AIADMK as both parties continue to blame each other for lawlessness in Tamil Nadu.