BJP seeks White Paper on TN’s law and order, targets TVK govt

Chennai, July 4 (IANS) Intensifying its attack on the ruling TVK-led coalition government, Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nainar Nagendran on Saturday demanded that the state government release a white paper on the prevailing law and order situation, alleging a sharp rise in serious crimes and accusing Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay of failing to act against complaints involving members of the ruling alliance.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Governor-in-charge Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan, Nagendran said the BJP had submitted separate memoranda seeking the Governor’s intervention on what it described as serious administrative and governance issues.

One memorandum sought action over the alleged participation of two private individuals in the state Cabinet meeting held on June 5, while another raised objections to the alleged conduct of Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan during a recent public function.

Drawing comparisons with the previous DMK administration, Nagendran claimed there had been no improvement in the law-and-order situation under the new government.

He alleged that 151 cases of sexual assault, more than 85 murders and over 80 narcotics trafficking cases had been reported during the 54 days since the TVK government assumed office.

“The government cannot remain a silent spectator when allegations continue to emerge against those associated with the ruling party,” he said, adding that the administration owed the public a transparent account of the crime situation.

Nagendran urged the government to issue a comprehensive white paper detailing the state’s law-and-order status, the number of major crimes registered, and the actions taken by police in each significant case.

He argued that just as the government had published white papers on other issues, it should provide similar transparency on public safety.

The BJP leader also levelled fresh allegations against Cabinet members, claiming that Energy Resources and Law Minister R. Nirmalkumar was facing complaints over the appointment of government advocates.

He further criticised the Minister’s reported remarks on implementing a court order related to the Tirupparankundram Deepam issue.

Referring to the Minister’s comments on the Governor’s role, Nagendran rejected the contention that the Governor lacked the authority to hold official review meetings, arguing that Article 167 of the Constitution empowered the Governor to seek information from the Chief Minister on matters relating to the administration of the state.

He also accused the ruling party of attempting to engineer defections by luring legislators and claimed that efforts at political horse-trading had begun even before the present government assumed office.

–IANS

aal/dan