'No one should get up and run away': CM Vijay dares DMK to listen to his reply on law and order concerns in Tamil Nadu | India News - Hindustan Times

**Tamil Nadu’s chief minister rebukes DMK criticism over law‑and‑order record**

Tamil Nadu chief minister M. K. Stalin (referred to in the Hindustan Times report as “CM Vijay”) faced a fresh wave of criticism from his own party’s junior leader, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who on Thursday claimed that the state’s law‑and‑order situation had “hit rock bottom.” The allegation followed a series of high‑profile incidents – including a spate of violent crimes in Chennai, a rise in communal tensions, and a controversial police response to recent protests – that have given opposition parties and civil‑society groups ammunition to question the administration’s handling of public safety. Udhayanidhi, a Lok Sabha MP and son of the chief minister, aired his concerns in a televised interview and urged the government to reverse what he called a “reverse gear” under the “TVK rule,” a reference to a faction within the DMK that he alleges is influencing policy.

Stalin responded sharply, refusing to step down or concede any lapse. In a press conference held later that evening, he warned that “no one should get up and run away” from the challenge and dared the DMK’s dissenting members to stay for a full debate in the Assembly on Monday. He promised a detailed reply that would address the accusations point‑by‑point, emphasizing the state’s recent achievements – such as a 15 % decline in violent crimes over the past year, the launch of a new community‑policing initiative, and the successful prosecution of several high‑profile criminal cases. Stalin also framed the criticism as a “political stunt” aimed at destabilising his government ahead of the upcoming local‑body elections.

The showdown underscores growing intra‑party tensions within the DMK as it balances governance with internal dissent ahead of the 2027 state elections. Analysts note that while the chief minister enjoys a strong popular mandate, the public’s perception of safety could become a decisive factor if the party’s own members continue to voice concerns. The scheduled Assembly session on Monday is expected to be closely watched, with opposition parties from outside the DMK likely to seize on any perceived missteps, and the ruling party poised to defend its record before the next electoral test.