AIADMK Leader Slams DMK for Lack of Infrastructure Projects in Coimbatore
Former AIADMK minister S P Velumani has launched a scathing attack on the ruling DMK government, accusing it of failing to implement any meaningful infrastructure projects for Coimbatore. Speaking on Tuesday, Velumani asserted that the only project the DMK can point to is the Semmozhi Poonga, which he claimed was not originally their vision but rather a dream associated with late chief minister M Karunanidhi.
Election Campaign and Development Claims
Velumani made these remarks while introducing Amman K Arjunan, the sitting MLA of Coimbatore North, whom the AIADMK is fielding in Coimbatore South for the upcoming April 23 assembly election. He appealed to party cadres to engage in intense door-to-door campaigns and defeat DMK candidate V Senthil Balaji by a margin of 50,000 votes.
He emphasized that Coimbatore South stands as a star constituency due to its development, all of which was implemented during the AIADMK period. "All flyovers, including the Sungam flyover and Ukkadam flyover, and all Smart City projects, especially the rejuvenation of the seven lakes, were implemented during the AIADMK rule. But the DMK has utterly failed to maintain all these facilities. We have to win in this constituency to maintain our prestige and reputation," said Velumani.
Criticism of DMK's Governance
Velumani further criticized the DMK's five-year rule, highlighting hikes in property tax, electricity tariffs, and construction material costs. He pointed out that important projects like the Athikadavu-Avinashi scheme II are facing significant delays, hindering water supply to many areas. "Without addressing these problems, DMK continues to blame the central government, stating that the Centre had not done anything for the state, which is baseless," he added.
Attack on TVK Leader Vijay
In a sharp turn, Velumani also targeted TVK leader Vijay, referencing the Karur tragedy that claimed 41 lives. "Vijay could not protect even his own party cadres. How can he be trusted to stand up for the public?" he questioned. He appealed to cadres not to let any third party, particularly TVK, secure a single vote in Coimbatore.
Amman K Arjunan's Remarks
Addressing the gathering, Amman K Arjunan framed the upcoming election as a battle between democracy and capital power. "What more can the DMK point out in this south constituency, except the Semmozhi park? Coimbatore is and will continue to be the fort of AIADMK," he declared, reinforcing the party's stronghold in the region.
