(Left) Edappadi K Palaniswami (Right) K Annamalai
In the wake of mounting accusations linking the ruling DMK government to alleged drug kingpin AR Jaffar Sadiq, the Tamil Nadu administration has taken legal action, filing defamation cases against Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai and AIADMK general secretary Edapadi K Palaniswamy.
The move comes shortly after DMK Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate P Wilson issued a stern warning, asserting that attempts to associate the party and its leaders with the NCB case against Sadiq would result in both civil and criminal prosecution.
The arrest of Sadiq, along with logistics handler Sada @ Sadanandan and three others in Delhi last month, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with allegations surfacing that the ruling DMK government had provided protection and support to Sadiq for his illicit activities. Social media posts featuring Sadiq alongside Chief Minister Stalin, ministers Udhayanidhi and Sekar Babu, and DMK MPs Kanimozhi and Abdulla have only fueled speculation further, with claims that Sadiq had financially backed films produced by the first family.
In response to these allegations, Tamil Nadu Law Minister S Raghpathy vehemently denied any connection between the DMK and Sadiq, shifting blame onto the AIADMK and BJP instead. Raghpathy accused the BJP-led Centre of orchestrating a smear campaign against the DMK ahead of the upcoming general elections, asserting the party’s integrity and commitment to lawful conduct. He emphasized that the DMK had not received any financial support from Sadiq and dismissed claims of involvement in drug-related activities.
Furthermore, Raghpathy criticized the BJP for attempting to tarnish Tamil Nadu’s reputation by labeling it a “drug-tainted” state, citing statistics that show other states, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, as hubs of drug trafficking.
Addressing a gathering during a protest in Chennai, BJP leader Annamalai criticized the ADMK-led government, accusing them of hypocrisy for protesting against the drug menace while failing to address the issue during their own tenure. Annamalai questioned the former government’s decision to keep TASMAC liquor shops open, highlighting the contradiction in their current stance.
Furthermore, Annamalai listed recent drug busts and the prevalence of narcotics in the state, asserting the need for concerted efforts to combat the drug menace. The AIADMK had previously petitioned the TN governor, seeking a probe into the drug cartel allegedly led by AR Jaffar Sadiq, adding fuel to the ongoing political firestorm.
Amidst mounting criticism and public outcry, the ruling DMK government has taken legal action, filing a defamation suit against the opposition leaders. City Public Prosecutor G Devarajan, who lodged the complaint, emphasized the seriousness of the Chief Minister’s efforts to make Tamil Nadu drug-free. He condemned the defamatory statements made by EPS and Annamalai, accusing them of attempting to falsely link Stalin to the distribution of contraband.
Amidst mounting tensions, Annamalai has taken to social media to express his defiance, vowing to continue exposing what he perceives as the DMK’s nexus in the international drug trade.
In a statement posted on his social media handle, Annamalai accused CM Stalin of remaining silent in the wake of allegations linking a DMK functionary and international drug lord, AR Jaffar Sadiq, to the party. Annamalai claimed that despite legal notices from the Chief Minister, he would not be deterred from shedding light on the matter, questioning Stalin’s awareness of the situation and alleging attempts to suppress information.
Reacting to the defamation case, TN BJP media in-charge ANS Prasad issued a defiant statement, asserting that the party and its leaders would not be silenced. Prasad condemned what he perceived as attempts by the DMK to evade scrutiny over their alleged links to the drug trade, emphasizing the need for a fair probe into the matter. He pointed out the incongruity of a drug trafficker being able to interact with high-ranking officials, including the CM and DGP, raising questions about their associations.
Annamalai has been vocal in demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged drug nexus, garnering public support for his stance. Prasad emphasized that despite legal challenges, the BJP would remain steadfast in their efforts to uncover the truth and ensure accountability for those involved in illicit activities. He warned the DMK against attempting to silence dissent through legal action, reaffirming the party’s commitment to pursuing justice.
As the legal battle unfolds, both the BJP and DMK are gearing up for a protracted struggle, with political stakes running high. The defamation suit represents a significant escalation in tensions between the two parties, highlighting the contentious nature of the allegations and the broader implications for Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
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