AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has sharply criticized the DMK government, asserting a significant rise in crimes against women and girls in Tamil Nadu. Palaniswami alleges that over 6,000 minor girls have been harassed during the DMK's rule, claiming a severe lack of safety for women under the current administration.

Palaniswami voiced his concerns during a rally, stating that criminals have become emboldened, directly blaming the DMK for failing to ensure the safety of women and girls. He highlighted a specific case where the alleged perpetrator of a rape against a ten-year-old girl in Gummidipoondi remains at large, questioning the effectiveness and commitment of the DMK government in addressing such heinous crimes. Palaniswami also claimed that women are forced to take responsibility for their own safety.

The AIADMK leader has been a vocal critic, pointing to what he describes as a continuous increase in crimes against women. He stated that it is disheartening that women and girls lack safety under the DMK's governance. Palaniswami's criticism extends to the government's response to victims of sexual violence. He said that the DMK government appears to take pride in compensating 6,999 victims of sexual violence, as per the provisions of the POCSO Act, by providing them Rs 104 crore during its rule.

Palaniswami contrasted the current situation with the AIADMK's tenure, claiming that women's safety was prioritized under their rule. He mentioned the AIADMK had initiated efforts to distribute safety kits containing pepper sprays and torchlights. He has urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take immediate action, ensuring the swift arrest and severe punishment of culprits involved in crimes against women.

The AIADMK's district women's wing has organized protests to raise awareness and demand action, reflecting the party's commitment to addressing the issue. Other political figures and parties, including BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, have echoed concerns, citing statistics indicating a rise in murders, crimes against children, and POCSO cases under the DMK regime. The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai has also urged the government to implement stringent measures to prevent such crimes.

Palaniswami has criticized the state government for appealing to the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court order that mandated the transfer of a POCSO case investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation, questioning the government's motives.