DMK Govt Overlooked Protocol in Tamil Nadu DGP Appointment: Palaniswami

Fast summary

• AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticized the DMK government for not following protocol in appointing a new Director-General of Police (DGP) ahead of the retirement of incumbent DGP Shankar Jiwal at the end of August 2025.
• According to Mr. Palaniswami, names of eligible officers should have been sent to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at least three months prior, but this process has been delayed by the government, raising suspicions and affecting law and order in Tamil Nadu.
• He accused the DMK government of failing to control rising crimes against women and children and illegal drug sales in various parts of Tamil Nadu, which he said contributed to deteriorating public safety.
• The AIADMK leader alleged that Minister for School Education Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was prioritizing promotional activities for Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin rather than focusing on governance issues.
• Mr. Palaniswami criticized efforts by the DMK-led regime toward expanding beneficiaries under its Mahalir urimai thogai scheme as a strategy aimed at vote acquisition before elections scheduled for 2026.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s statements highlight important political friction ahead of next year’s assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. His criticism centers on procedural neglect regarding police appointments and an alleged decline in law-and-order standards-a sensitive issue that resonates with public concerns about safety and management efficiency.

From an administrative perspective, delays or lapses surrounding senior appointments like that of a DGP could potentially undermine institutional stability within critical systems like policing. This critique also raises questions about clarity within governance frameworks.

Additionally,allegations regarding education policy mismanagement reflect broader debates over resource allocation priorities across governments-with opposition frequently citing decisions made by ruling regimes as politically motivated rather than focused on systemic improvement.

Such issues-ranging from public safety assurance to social welfare expansion-form vital parameters upon which any government is evaluated close to electoral terms. While accusations about “hidden agendas” underscore existing ideological rifts between parties like AIADMK and DMK-they also bring sharper scrutiny toward decision-making quality amid broader state administrative challenges.

Read more: The Hindu