CHENNAI – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin launched a strong defense of his DMK government’s approach to government employees’ protests on Thursday, asserting that no protesting workers have been sent to jail under his administration.
During the third day of the state assembly session, ministers fielded questions from lawmakers. Responding to an AIADMK member’s query, Stalin highlighted his government’s employee-friendly stance.
“We have never sent government employees participating in protests to jail,” Stalin declared. “Nor have we invoked harsh laws like the Tamil Nadu Essential Services Maintenance Act (TESMA) against them.”
Drawing a sharp contrast with the previous AIADMK regime, the CM accused the earlier government of routinely arresting teachers and employees, detaining them overnight, and dispatching them to prison for daring to protest.
Stalin recalled specific incidents under AIADMK rule where numerous employees faced arrests solely for joining demonstrations. He also took aim at AIADMK general secretary and former CM Edappadi K Palaniswami, criticizing his derogatory remarks on employees’ salaries that still rankle many.
The Chief Minister pointed to the warm reception for his government’s assured pension scheme announcement as proof of its commitment. “This fulfilled a 23-year-old demand. Employees even visited my secretariat office with sweets to express their gratitude,” he said.
Stalin suggested that the AIADMK is uneasy seeing employees rejoice over these welfare measures. His comments underscore the DMK’s efforts to position itself as a champion of workers’ rights amid ongoing political rivalries in Tamil Nadu.