Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has criticized the AIADMK for its newfound concern for Muslim prisoners serving life sentences, accusing the party of having "blindly supported" the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Stalin's remarks were made during a discussion in the Tamil Nadu Assembly regarding the potential early release of Muslim prisoners who have been sentenced to life imprisonment and have already spent more than 20 years behind bars.
AIADMK general secretary and Tamil Nadu's Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K Palaniswami, advocated for the release of 36 Muslim prisoners who have been incarcerated for more than two decades. He pointed out that various political parties and Muslim organizations have been advocating for their release, citing their advanced age and health issues as reasons for their release.
Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) MLA MH Jawahirullah noted that the state has legal provisions for granting leniency in prison sentences based on good behavior. He also mentioned that a file requesting the release of 49 prisoners has been pending with Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi. Jawahirullah suggested that instead of waiting for the governor's approval, the Chief Minister should take measures to grant them parole.
CM MK Stalin then outlined the actions taken by the government regarding the premature release of life-term convicts. He stated that in December 2021, the state government established a six-member committee, chaired by retired Madras High Court judge Justice N Authinathan, to investigate the matter.
According to Stalin, the committee submitted a report recommending the release of 224 prisoners. Following the committee's recommendations, discussions were held concerning the release of 49 prisoners, including 20 Muslims. The relevant documents were forwarded to the Governor on August 24, 2023, and once the Governor provides consent, the prisoners will be released, as per the Tamil Nadu CM.
MK Stalin also refuted allegations that the DMK government was not taking any measures to release Muslim prisoners, stating that all necessary legal actions were being pursued.
He criticized the AIADMK, questioning why the party had remained silent on this matter for a decade while in power and had not taken any steps to release Muslim prisoners during their tenure. Stalin insinuated that the AIADMK's sudden concern for Muslim prisoners was related to their previous support for the CAA and NRC, suggesting ulterior motives.
Stalin's comments sparked a commotion in the Assembly, leading the AIADMK, led by EPS, to stage a walkout.
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