Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin today admitted in the state assembly that the accused in the Anna University sexual assault case was a DMK sympathiser.

Nonetheless, CM MK Stalin clarified that he was not a party member. He mentioned that he assures that the one arrested in the Chennai student case is not a member of DMK, but a DMK sympathiser, which they don’t deny.

The Chief Minister also defended the accused’s images with DMK dignitaries. He said that he could have taken pictures with ministers and politicians, and there’s nothing wrong in it. However, he is not a DMK member but a sympathiser, and that is the truth.

MK Stalin also clarified that even if the accused had been from DMK, he would have taken action. He asserted that they did not save the accused, immediately arrested and imprisoned him and charged him under the Goondas Act.

The Chief Minister also admitted to the severity of the issue. He said that the sexual assault case is a very serious issue. He assured that the Tamil Nadu government has no other aim but to ensure that justice is given to the victim in this case.

He further stated that the Tamil Nadu government will ensure the CM chargesheet in this case is filed within 60 days, and there is a speedy trial in a special court to ensure the perpetrator gets the maximum punishment.

The Opposition party AIADMK walked out of the Assembly and staged a protest outside the House after MK Stalin’s speech on the Anna University sexual assault case. Earlier, BJP state chief K Annamalai staged a penance where he whipped himself. 

A 19-year-old Anna University student was sexually assaulted inside the campus. After the crime was reported, the AIADMK and the BJP held the ruling DMK responsible for the rising incidents of crimes against women.

Actress Kangana Ranaut, known for her bold statements and unconventional roles, has revealed that she invited Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to watch her upcoming film Emergency. The movie, set for release on January 17, delves into the 21-month period from 1975 to 1977 when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency across India, citing internal and external threats.

In an interview with IANS, Kangana shared her encounter with Priyanka Gandhi, stating, “I met Priyanka Gandhi in the Parliament. The first thing I told her was, ‘You should watch Emergency.’ She was very gracious and replied, ‘Yeah, maybe.’ Let’s see if they would want to watch the film. I believe it’s a sensitive and sensible portrayal of a significant episode and an iconic personality.”

Kangana, who both directs and stars in the film as Indira Gandhi, emphasized her approach to the portrayal of the former Prime Minister. “I took great care to depict Mrs. Gandhi with dignity. While researching, I found a lot of focus on her personal life—her relationships and controversies. However, there’s so much more to every person. Especially for women, narratives often reduce them to their connections with men or sensational encounters. I’ve consciously avoided that and presented her as a leader with depth and sensibility.”

Speaking about Indira Gandhi’s legacy, Kangana acknowledged her controversial tenure during the Emergency but also highlighted her achievements. “Indira Gandhi was a deeply loved leader. Being elected as Prime Minister three times is no small feat. Despite the controversies surrounding the Emergency and other events, she was celebrated and admired for her strength and leadership.”

Kangana expressed her hope that Emergency would resonate with audiences from all walks of life. “This film is not just a chapter in history but a story of resilience and power. I believe everyone should see it.”

The film has generated significant buzz ahead of its release, with Kangana’s nuanced portrayal of a pivotal figure in Indian politics at the center of discussions. Whether Priyanka Gandhi accepts Kangana’s invitation remains to be seen, but the actress is optimistic about the film’s reception.

Dramatic scenes unfolded outside the official residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, accompanied by mediapersons, attempted to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) allegations of extravagant spending on the bungalow’s renovation.

The controversy stems from the BJP’s claim that public funds were misused for luxurious upgrades at the Chief Minister’s bungalow on Flagstaff Road, dubbed a “Sheeshmahal” by BJP leaders. In response, AAP sought to “expose the truth” by inviting media to inspect the premises and later planned to visit the Prime Minister’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg to highlight its expenses.

However, when AAP MP Sanjay Singh and Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj arrived at the Civil Lines bungalow with journalists, they were stopped by the police, who cited potential law and order concerns.

Tensions rise at the scene

Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of spreading misinformation, stating, “Why can’t we go inside? They claim there’s a golden toilet, a minibar, and a swimming pool. Let the media see and decide.” Bharadwaj echoed these sentiments, questioning the authority behind the police’s actions.

The leaders argued that barring them from entry was a violation of their rights as elected representatives. Singh added, “If the BJP’s claims are true, they should allow us inside. Their refusal only proves they are lying.”

Attempt to shift focus

Following the police standoff, AAP leaders moved towards the Prime Minister’s residence but were stopped again. Singh reiterated his call for transparency, saying, “The BJP is spreading lies about the Chief Minister’s residence while the Prime Minister’s palace, worth Rs 2,700 crore, remains unexamined. Let there be a tour of both residences for the public to see the reality.”

BJP’s counterattack

The BJP dismissed AAP’s actions as theatrics. Pradeep Bhandari, a BJP spokesperson, criticized AAP for abandoning its earlier promises of simplicity and transparency. “Kejriwal entered politics claiming he would live in a modest apartment and avoid VVIP culture. Yet, during a crisis like Covid, he spent Rs 52 crore on his residence. This melodrama by Sanjay Singh won’t distract the public from these facts,” he said.

The larger political context

The allegations against Kejriwal gained momentum after a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report highlighted a significant escalation in the renovation costs for the Chief Minister’s residence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in, accusing AAP of misplaced priorities during the pandemic.

Kejriwal, who stepped down as Chief Minister after facing charges in a corruption case, has stated that he will return to office only after a public mandate. Meanwhile, the BJP has intensified its campaign to paint AAP as detached from the common man’s struggles.

As the war of words continues, the standoff reflects the high stakes in the upcoming Delhi elections, where both parties are vying to shape public perception in their favor.