AIADMK Leader Promises PM Modi's Involvement in Madurai Metro if EPS Returns as Chief Minister
In a significant political announcement, AIADMK deputy leader of the opposition R B Udhayakumar declared on Thursday that if party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) becomes the chief minister of Tamil Nadu again, he will personally invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lay the foundation stone for the long-awaited Madurai Metro Rail Project. The statement was made during a campaign event in the Thirumangalam constituency, highlighting the party's commitment to infrastructure development.
Criticism of DMK's Handling of Metro Project
Udhayakumar launched a sharp critique against the ruling DMK government, accusing it of failing to submit a proper project report on the Madurai Metro Rail to the Union government. He emphasized that this delay has hindered progress, contrasting it with AIADMK's proactive approach as outlined in their election manifesto. "EPS will once again become CM of Tamil Nadu, and as per our manifesto, the Madurai Metro Rail Project will be implemented without further delays. He will invite PM Modi to lay the foundation stone for the project in Thirumangalam, ensuring it moves forward swiftly," Udhayakumar asserted.
Reference to Madurai AIIMS and Allegations of False Campaigning
Drawing parallels to another major project, Udhayakumar recalled the DMK government's previous campaign regarding Madurai AIIMS, which he labeled as misleading. "The DMK was involved in a false campaign by merely showing a brick, but today, the Madurai AIIMS hospital buildings stand tall, and works are nearing completion," he stated. This comparison aimed to underscore AIADMK's track record in delivering on promises and countering what he described as DMK's deceptive tactics.
Comments on DMDK Dynamics and Electoral Politics
Udhayakumar also touched upon recent political developments involving the DMDK. He noted that Vijaya Prabhakaran contested as a DMDK candidate from Virudhunagar in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with AIADMK cadres actively supporting him in Thirumangalam, which falls under that parliamentary constituency. However, he alleged that the DMK worked against Prabhakaran, preventing his election to Parliament. "At present, DMDK general secretary Premallatha Vijayakanth is campaigning for the DMK, which defeated Vijaya Prabhakaran. True loyalists of the late DMDK leader Vijayakanth will not accept this alignment," Udhayakumar remarked, hinting at internal dissent within DMDK ranks.
The announcement underscores AIADMK's strategy to leverage infrastructure promises and national leadership connections in their bid to regain power in Tamil Nadu, positioning the Madurai Metro Rail as a key electoral issue.
