DMK women protest in Tamil Nadu against price hike, law and order

The DMK Women’s Wing cadre staged a protest near the Chennai District Collectorate on Saturday. The protest was led by DMK MP Kanimozhi | Photo Credit: V. Umesh Kumar

The women’s wing of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) staged protests at district headquarters across Tamil Nadu on Saturday (October 31, 2026), accusing the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government of failing to maintain law and order, protect women and children and check rising prices of essential commodities in the state.

In north Chennai, DMK deputy general secretary and MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi led a protest near a collectorate. Protesters raised slogans against the government over rising prices and alleged deterioration of public order. They carried sacks of rice, cans of cooking oil and other basic commodities to draw attention to the rise in prices. They also held placards with slogans such as “Law and order has become a laughingstock” and “Wake up from your slumber, Mr. Minister!”.

“Kids in TN are not safe”

Addressing the rally, Ms Kanimozhi mentioned cases of child abduction and alleged human trafficking and accused the government of failing to ensure the safety of children even in their homes. She also claimed that members of the ruling party were involved in “kidnapping and selling children”.

She questioned Chief Minister Vijay’s appeal to his supporters, whom he referred to as “Nanbaas” and “Nanbees” (friends), to convince their families to vote for him during the election campaign, accusing him of seeking the support of children to mobilize votes without ensuring their safety.

Ms Kanimozhi said reports of child trafficking had raised parents’ concerns about their children’s safety. She called on the people to end the government and warned that Tamil Nadu risks being pushed into a dark period if the situation continues.

She also claimed that investments are not coming into the state, law and order has deteriorated, women are not safe and children face an uncertain future. The administration has become so inefficient that questions have been raised about whether the government is functioning properly, she said.

The DMK leader also slammed the government over the rising cost of basic commodities and said many families were struggling to afford even their daily food. According to her, the rise in prices of onions, tomatoes, rice, pulses and cooking oil has made it difficult for ordinary households to prepare food, let alone celebrate Deepavali.

She said the price of rice and pulses has doubled. She also disputed the government’s claim that better quality rice would be distributed through ration shops, claiming that the existing rice was merely polished and presented differently.

“TN is falling behind now”

Contrasting the DMK’s situation in power, Ms. Kanimozhi said that Tamil Nadu used to be at the forefront of investment, economic growth, education and health. The state was now falling behind in several sectors and was witnessing rising crime and prices, she claimed.

She looked back at Mr. Vijay’s mention of gifts for children and women and urged him to prioritize their safety over handing out gifts.

“Please give every woman in Tamil Nadu a can of pepper spray,” she said, alleging that the police and government apparatus were failing to protect women. She suggested that pepper spray be distributed through ration shops to help women defend themselves.

Former ministers PK Sekarbabu and Poongothai Aladi Aruna along with district level functionaries participated in the protest.

In south Chennai, DMK women’s wing leaders Vijaya Thayanban and Kanimozhi Somu led the protest.

Published – 31 Oct 2026 13:36 IST