AIADMK Leader Edappadi K Palaniswami Launches Scathing Attack on DMK Allies and TVK's Vijay
In a fiery election rally at Alandur in Chennai on Friday, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami launched a broadside against the allies of the ruling DMK, accusing them of turning a blind eye to critical public issues. He specifically targeted the VCK and Left parties, alleging they have "maintained silence" on crimes against women, murders, and robberies merely to preserve their position within the DMK alliance.
Criticism of DMK's Alliance Dynamics and Governance Failures
Palaniswami, without directly naming the DMDK, pointed to internal strife within the DMK coalition. He highlighted the anguish among long-time partners who saw their seat share diminish due to the inclusion of new entrants, a move he described as undermining the alliance's stability. Countering DMK president M.K. Stalin's jibe about his "dubious record of 10 defeats," EPS reminded the audience that the DMK itself faced multiple electoral setbacks and was out of power from 2011 to 2021, even losing its status as the principal opposition party in 2011.
He emphasized the resilience of the AIADMK, which, despite the demise of its iconic leader J. Jayalalithaa, managed to withstand challenges and remain in power until 2021 under his leadership. Palaniswami also accused the DMK government of failing to control inflation, allowing prices of essential commodities to skyrocket, and claimed that the public is eagerly awaiting the return of the AIADMK to address these pressing concerns.
Mocking Ideological Unity and Condemning Vijay's Actions
At a separate gathering in the Tambaram constituency, the AIADMK leader mocked the so-called "ideological unity" of the DMK front in Puducherry, citing instances where rebel candidates are contesting against official alliance partners, exposing cracks in their coalition. However, his sharpest criticism was reserved for TVK president and popular actor Vijay regarding the tragic Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives.
Palaniswami slammed Vijay for not visiting Karur to meet the families of the stampede victims personally. Instead, he alleged that Vijay had the families brought to Chennai to meet him, a move EPS questioned vehemently. "What kind of approach is this? Is this a cinema script?" he asked, urging people, especially the youth, not to be swayed by cinematic popularity and to recognize that reel life is vastly different from the real world.
This incident, according to Palaniswami, exemplifies the disconnect between political posturing and genuine public service, reinforcing his call for a return to AIADMK's governance based on practical solutions rather than superficial gestures.
