Stalin says Vijay’s reels hide Tamil Nadu’s law‑and‑order woes

M. K. Stalin, the leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), publicly rebuked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Vijay on Tuesday, alleging that the administration is employing Instagram and Facebook reels to divert attention from a deteriorating law‑and‑order climate. The Hindu reported that Stalin warned the state is witnessing “daily murders and sexual assaults against women,” and described the situation as “in disarray.”

Stalin’s remarks came during a press conference in Chennai where he urged the government to focus on concrete policing measures rather than “digital theatrics.” He suggested that the reels, which showcase the chief minister’s visits to crime‑hit neighborhoods, are being used as a veneer to mask systemic failures in crime prevention and victim support.

The criticism arrives at a time when Tamil Nadu has recorded a noticeable uptick in violent crimes, especially gender‑based offenses. Police data released earlier this year indicated a 12 % rise in reported cases of murder and a 9 % increase in sexual assault complaints compared with the previous year. Activists and opposition parties have long argued that the state’s law‑enforcement agencies are understaffed and that response times remain sluggish in rural districts.

Social media has become a political battleground in the southern state. Since the 2021 elections, both the DMK and the opposition AIADMK have leveraged short‑form video platforms to shape public perception. Vijay’s administration, in particular, has rolled out a series of reels highlighting “quick‑action” teams and community policing initiatives. Critics, however, contend that these clips often lack substantive data and serve more as image‑building exercises.

Political analysts note that the exchange underscores the deepening rift between the DMK and its former ally, the AIADMK, now led by Vijay. The two parties have historically contested control over Tamil Nadu’s governance, and law‑and‑order performance remains a pivotal issue in upcoming local elections. Observers say that if the administration fails to address the underlying causes of crime, the reliance on media spin could further erode public confidence.

Stalin concluded by calling for an independent inquiry into the state’s crime statistics and urged the chief minister to prioritize victim‑centred policies over “viral content.” The Hindu’s coverage indicates that the debate is likely to intensify as both sides prepare for the next electoral cycle.