AIADMK Leader EPS Accuses DMK-Congress of Political Double Standards
In a series of campaign meetings held in Puducherry on Sunday, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami launched a scathing attack on the DMK-Congress alliance, accusing it of employing inconsistent political strategies across different states. Palaniswami, commonly known as EPS, highlighted that while the bloc projects a facade of unity in Tamil Nadu, it follows a fragmented and contradictory approach in Puducherry, which he labeled as blatant double standards in its alliance tactics.
Allegations of Looting and Political Expansion
During his speeches, EPS targeted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, alleging that he has looted Tamil Nadu and is now attempting to extend the same detrimental politics to Puducherry. This accusation forms part of a broader critique of the DMK's governance and its alliance with the Congress party, which EPS claims undermines regional integrity and public trust.
Response to Memorial Land Dispute
Responding to Stalin's allegations regarding the denial of a memorial for late Chief Minister Karunanidhi, EPS clarified that the AIADMK government was legally constrained due to a pending case in the high court against such land allocations. Is it fair to accuse us when we were legally unable to allot land? he questioned, pointing out that despite this, the AIADMK administration had allocated two acres of land at Guindy. He further charged that Karunanidhi had previously refused land for memorials of other late chief ministers, such as Kamaraj and Janaki Ramachandran, adding historical context to the dispute.
Criticism of DMDK and Alliance Dynamics
EPS also criticized the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), accusing its leadership of shifting political positions based on alliance affiliations. He noted that the party had aligned with the DMK despite actor Vadivelu making derogatory remarks about DMDK founder Vijayakant in the presence of Karunanidhi. Additionally, EPS dismissed claims about the denial of a Rajya Sabha seat to the DMDK, asserting that he had assured such a position if the party remained in alliance with the AIADMK for the 2026 elections.
Evening Speech at Neyveli and Broader Accusations
In a later speech at Neyveli, EPS took a swipe at Udhayanidhi Stalin, further intensifying his critique of the DMK leadership. He accused the DMK of betrayal on multiple fronts, including issues like Katchatheevu, Cauvery water disputes, the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils, and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). EPS argued that DMK leaders have no moral ground to make allegations against others, given their own contentious record. He also questioned the DMK's reliance on former AIADMK members who have defected and now hold government positions, suggesting hypocrisy in their political maneuvers.
Overall, EPS's remarks underscore a deepening political rift in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with the AIADMK positioning itself as a critic of what it perceives as inconsistent and opportunistic alliance strategies by the DMK-Congress bloc.
