BJP’s Vanathi Srinivasan flags security concerns in Coimbatore

BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan condemns extremism, illegal immigration, and government inaction in Coimbatore protest.

Leading a protest in Coimbatore city to condemn the Pahalgam attack on Monday, BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan raised critical concerns about the rising threat of extremism, the state’s response to illegal immigration, and the Tamil Nadu government’s failure to take action on these issues.

During the protest, Ms. Srinivasan remarked that Coimbatore had been the target of extremist violence multiple times, including the 1998 serial bombings and the 2022 car bomb blast. “Coimbatore has faced repeated attacks by religious extremists. We cannot afford silence or inaction,” she said. She highlighted how BJP workers had continued their efforts despite the threat to their lives, while other political parties withdrew. She further stressed that only the BJP and RSS had organisations willing to sacrifice for the nation’s safety, unlike their political counterparts.

She also criticised the Tamil Nadu government’s approach to national security. “If one understands why BJP and RSS are targeted in Tamil Nadu, one can understand how terrorism operates,” she remarked, defending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, which she said aims to isolate Pakistan-backed terrorism globally.

In her subsequent press briefing, Ms. Srinivasan questioned the lack of action against illegal migrants residing in Coimbatore and nearby areas. She alleged that foreign nationals, particularly from Pakistan, were residing in Thudiyalur and Thondamuthur under the guise of migrant workers. She condemned the Tamil Nadu government for failing to take action, pointing out that there had been no police-led enumeration or verification of their status.

Ms. Srinivasan also raised concerns about the Coimbatore car bomb blast case, stating that despite the NIA filing four charge sheets, the Tamil Nadu police had not issued any updates on the investigation. She expressed disappointment over the lack of transparency and accountability, calling for the state government to take immediate and decisive action.

Ms. Srinivasan also attacked the ruling DMK for its alleged neglect of national security. She claimed the DMK prioritised vote-bank politics over the nation’s wellbeing.