Law and order in Tamil Nadu is worsening by the day. With rising incidents of violence against women and children, the recent attacks on journalists by DMK and its allies mark a dangerous escalation. The TN BJP warns that the state is becoming increasingly unsafe for the public, especially for those who dare to hold power to account.
In a statement, TN BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad said, “DMK government’s consistent failure to protect journalists investigating illicit activities, including sand mining, narcotics, and other crimes, poses a significant threat to Indian democracy. The persistent assaults on journalists under the DMK regime raise grave concerns about the safety of the fourth estate, which is a vital pillar of democracy as enshrined in the Constitution of India, framed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.”
He referred to a recent incident where MDMK leader Vaiko allegedly incited violence against journalists who were capturing images of empty chairs at a party meeting in Sattur, Virudhunagar district. Prasad called the act “utterly condemnable.” The BJP added, “The attack, allegedly instigated by Vaiko himself, is a shameful act that reflects the party’s disregard for press freedom and democratic values. Several journalists were brutally assaulted, and it’s shocking that a senior leader like Vaiko would stoop to such levels. Veteran politician Vaiko’s actions are a stark reminder of his party’s declining relevance in Tamil Nadu politics. Having lost its ideological moorings, the MDMK has been reduced to a mere letterhead party, surviving on DMK’s largesse. Vaiko’s desperation to cling to power is evident in his vicious attack on journalists, which only exposes his true nature.”
Prasad further stated, “The alleged involvement of MDMK leader Vaiko in instigating attacks on journalists warrants prosecution under the Criminal Procedure Code. We demand that Vaiko be held accountable as the primary accused and that justice be served to the affected journalists. The DMK government, led by Chief Minister Stalin, must prioritise journalist safety and uphold constitutional protections, rather than emboldening fascist tendencies that undermine democracy.”
Explaining the incident, Prasad said it “highlights Vaiko’s lack of political decorum and his utter disregard for the media. As a public figure, it’s his responsibility to maintain dignity and respect the role of journalists in holding those in power accountable. Instead, he chose to unleash his goons on them, demonstrating his authoritarian streak.”
The spokesperson added, “The DMK government, led by Chief Minister Stalin, has failed miserably to protect journalists and uphold press freedom. The state government’s inaction emboldens perpetrators like Vaiko, who feel they can get away with such heinous acts. It’s imperative that the government takes immediate action against those responsible for the attack and ensures the safety of journalists.”
He named the journalists who were attacked—Manivannan (Polimer TV), Jayaraman (Tamil Janam TV), Karuppusamy (Thanthi TV), and Bala (News Tamil TV)—and insisted they deserve justice. Prasad demanded that the government take stern action against the MDMK officials involved and hold them accountable.
“The Tamil Nadu government must prioritise the protection of journalists and uphold the principles of democracy. The continuous failure to do so will only embolden those who seek to undermine press freedom and democratic institutions. It’s time for the government to take concrete steps to ensure the safety of journalists and promote a culture of respect for the media.”
The observers of the media state that only a handful of print and visual media outlets report news factually without taking sides. These are now being targeted by the ruling party and its allies. Even social media activists who criticise the government, its functioning, misdeeds, corruption, the minority community, or leaders of coalition parties are being treated like terrorists—arrested at night, and in some cases, booked under the Goondas Act (as in the case of Savukku Shankar).
Social activists and whistleblowers were also killed in Tamil Nadu last year. One was a retired Sub-Inspector in Tirunelveli, and another in Pudukottai, despite both having reported threats to their lives.
Critics warn that Tamil Nadu is unsafe for media persons and social activists who expose corruption among top officials, custodial deaths, and sexual assaults on minors and women—matters that are raising serious concern among the general public.
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