BJP Accuses DMK of Suppressing Protests, Detaining Leaders Amid TASMAC Row

BJP Mahila Morcha National President Vanathi Srinivasan on Tuesday alleged that the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu was curbing political protests and detaining opposition leaders before scheduled demonstrations could even take place.

Addressing the media, Srinivasan accused the DMK of systematically denying permission for protests, even in designated agitation zones.

“Over the past few months, we have seen a disturbing pattern. Whenever there are pressing public concerns or law-and-order issues, the ruling DMK government refuses permission for lawful protests, even in areas designated for such gatherings. Yesterday, BJP leaders were detained from their homes and arrested before they could even reach the protest site,” she stated.

BJP’s Protest Over TASMAC Liquor Policy

The Tamil Nadu BJP had planned a demonstration in front of the TASMAC headquarters, raising concerns over the state’s liquor policy and law enforcement. However, police detained multiple leaders, including former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, from their residences, while other key BJP figures, such as Vinoj P Selvam, were placed under house arrest.

Srinivasan slammed the DMK’s approach, accusing it of silencing opposition voices through preemptive arrests.

“The new tactic being used by the DMK is clear—they want to silence any political opposition. Normally, authorities can detain protesters at the protest site, but here, BJP leaders were detained at home, preventing them from even stepping out,” she added.

Annamalai Slams ‘Biased’ Police Action

On Monday, BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai also launched a scathing attack on the state government, accusing some police officials of acting as “stooges” of the DMK. He alleged that the law enforcement agencies were being misused to suppress opposition protests.

“Some officers in Tamil Nadu have turned into DMK’s puppets. Instead of wearing a police uniform, they should just wear DMK attire. The DGP and Commissioner are doing nothing but trying to please the Chief Minister all day. Yesterday, several of our leaders were arrested. Women protesters were illegally detained beyond 6 PM, violating all legal norms. The real question is—why is the police so desperate to stop any protest against DMK?” Annamalai questioned.

TASMAC Issue: A Long-Standing Controversy

The TASMAC issue has been a major point of contention in Tamil Nadu, with the BJP and other opposition parties accusing the DMK of mismanaging liquor sales and enforcement policies since coming to power.

Annamalai asserted that the problem had persisted for the past three and a half years and that the ruling party was trying to cover up its failures by using police intimidation tactics against opposition voices.

With political tensions escalating over the liquor policy and suppression of protests, the coming weeks are likely to witness further clashes between the BJP and DMK over the state government’s governance and handling of dissent.