Thu Feb 20 11:29:02 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Minister Claims Improved Safety for Female Students Amidst BJP Criticism
**PUDUKKOTTAI, TAMIL NADU –** Tamil Nadu Law Minister S. Regupathy asserted on Thursday that the DMK government has fostered a safer environment for female students to report sexual crimes. He countered BJP state president K. Annamalai’s claim that students lack safety in the state, stating that girls now feel empowered to lodge complaints, confident in the government’s support.
Minister Regupathy attributed this change to the DMK’s efforts to remove the fear previously felt by students who hesitated to report incidents due to concerns about repercussions from teachers. He highlighted the government’s introduction of bills to increase penalties for sexual offenses against women and children.
The Minister further accused the BJP of indirectly imposing Hindi on Tamil Nadu and criticized AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami for maintaining what he called “discreet ties” with the BJP, alleging a lack of public criticism from Palaniswami towards the national party.
First Piper 