Tamil Nadu Assembly: Drug culture became a major problem during DMK regime, alleges Minister Aadhav Arjuna
Tamil Nadu PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna alleged that drug culture and sexual assault cases against children increased significantly during the previous DMK regime. The claims sparked heated exchanges in the State Assembly between the ruling party and the opposition.
Why it matters
The debate reflects the ongoing political struggle in Tamil Nadu regarding law and order, specifically concerning drug abuse and child safety.
Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Aadhav Arjuna on Monday (August 17, 2026) said there was a clear link between drug culture and sexual assault on children, reiterating there was a 40% increase in cases filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, between 2023 and 2026, when the DMK was in power.
He said drug culture did not emerge in the last 100 days, and the foundation for it was laid during the DMK regime. “That is why people removed you [the DMK] from power. Your defeat has direct links with drug culture,” he claimed.
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