DMK MP A. Raja has raised serious concerns regarding the state of law and order in Tamil Nadu following the recent seizure of 135 kilograms of methamphetamine. Addressing reporters in Chennai, Raja questioned whether the state has become a hub for drug trafficking, noting that the street value of the confiscated narcotics is estimated to be between 800 crore and 1,000 crore rupees.
"The seizure of such a massive quantity of methamphetamine is a very serious matter. It raises the question of whether Tamil Nadu has become a center for drug smuggling," Raja stated. He pointed out that the drugs were reportedly intended for transport to Sri Lanka, and questioned the efficacy of the 65 anti-drug squads established by the current administration. "You have an intelligence wing and 65 squads. Despite all this, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) from Delhi had to come and seize such a large quantity of drugs. With these squads operating for four months, who knows how much more is out there?" he asked.
The DMK leader also criticized the Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leadership, highlighting that individuals arrested in connection with recent drug cases held official party positions. He cited reports involving TVK functionaries in Mayiladuthurai, Erode, and Vedaranyam, contrasting this with the criticism the DMK has faced over photographs of party members with leaders. "Your party official, election coordinator, and union secretary are linked to such a massive seizure. What is your response to this?" Raja questioned, further suggesting that the seized methamphetamine might have links to international terrorism, weapon smuggling, and cross-border criminal networks.
Addressing the broader political climate, Raja dismissed claims that the DMK was soft on the issue of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). He asserted that his party has consistently opposed the use of EVMs since their introduction, both inside and outside Parliament, and has communicated these concerns to various state chief ministers. Regarding TVK’s claims that EVM issues cost them over 160 seats, Raja remarked, "They have their own calculations. However, when opposition parties claim EVMs are a factor in election results, it cannot be easily dismissed in a democracy; it warrants an investigation."
Concluding his remarks, Raja challenged the government to move beyond social media optics. "Is everything just for 'Reels'? Your campaigns and the pledges you made to students—what happened to them? It is not enough to portray yourselves as good people in videos; the public is watching what actions are actually being taken," he said.
