Tamil Nadu Minister Defends Women's Safety Amidst Criticism from Prime Minister Modi

On March 12, 2026, S. Regupathy, Tamil Nadu's Minister for Natural Resources and a senior leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims regarding women's safety in Tamil Nadu. Regupathy asserted that the high rates of women's employment—42%—and participation in higher education—52%—demonstrate a secure environment for women in the state. He challenged Modi to provide statistics on violence against women in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), suggesting that the situation in Tamil Nadu is more favorable.

The Hindu

Regupathy emphasized that the DMK government has fostered an environment where women feel empowered to report incidents of violence, contrasting this with other states where he claimed women are often deterred from approaching police due to fears of inadequate protection. He noted that Tamil Nadu has a higher conviction rate for crimes against women compared to other regions, arguing that isolated incidents should not be generalized to depict a broader decline in law and order.

The Hindu

Addressing concerns about drug-related crimes, particularly referencing a recent incident in Nanguneri, Regupathy clarified that ganja is not cultivated in Tamil Nadu but smuggled in from other states. He criticized the Union government's Narcotics Control Bureau for failing to prevent this smuggling, asserting that the Tamil Nadu police have the capability to manage such issues effectively.

The Hindu

Regupathy framed the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections as a pivotal moment for Tamil Nadu, emphasizing a choice between local governance and what he described as a "remote-controlled" government from Delhi. He expressed confidence that voters would favor the continuation of the DMK's "Dravidian Model" government, which he claims has been free from corruption, in stark contrast to the previous AIADMK administration led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, which he labeled as corrupt.

The Hindu

Critics of the DMK government may argue that while employment and education statistics are positive, they do not fully encapsulate the complexities of women's safety and the prevalence of violence against women. Additionally, opposition parties may highlight ongoing issues related to drug smuggling and its impact on crime rates.

The Hindu

Regupathy's remarks reflect a broader narrative within the DMK that seeks to counteract criticisms from the BJP regarding governance and safety in Tamil Nadu. He stated, “The Prime Minister should first come out with statistics on violence and attacks against women in the BJP-ruled States in the country,” reinforcing his position that Tamil Nadu's governance model is effective in ensuring women's safety.

The Hindu

• “The Prime Minister should first come out with statistics on violence and attacks against women in the BJP-ruled States in the country,” — S. Regupathy, Tamil Nadu Minister

The Hindu

• “Our leader will not hesitate to take action against anyone involved in corruption,” he said.” — S. Regupathy, Tamil Nadu Minister

The Hindu

This article encapsulates the ongoing political discourse surrounding women's safety in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the DMK's defense against allegations from the BJP while addressing broader societal issues.

The Hindu