AIADMK's Palaniswami Launches Scathing Attack on DMK Over 'Betrayal' Claims
In a fiery election rally held in Omalur, Salem on Friday, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) vehemently countered Chief Minister M K Stalin's accusations against the BJP-led Union government. EPS alleged that it is the DMK, not the BJP, that has historically betrayed Tamil Nadu and its people.
Historical Grievances and Allegations of Hypocrisy
EPS pointed to specific instances to bolster his claims. "When G K Moopanar had a chance to become Prime Minister, it was Karunanidhi who spoilt it," he stated, referring to the late Tamil Maanila Congress founder and former chief minister. This remark was a direct response to Stalin's charge that the delimitation bill would render Tamil Nadu politically irrelevant and prevent future prime ministers from emerging from the state.
He further accused the DMK of opposing Tamil leaders in national roles. "It was DMK which refused to support late President Abdul Kalam when he was the frontrunner for a second term. Even when C P Radhakrishnan contested for vice president, DMK opposed him," EPS asserted. Questioning the party's commitment, he asked, "Isn't C P Radhakrishnan a Tamil?" and labeled Stalin's statements on Tamil welfare as hypocritical. "For Stalin, only his family members are Tamils. The rest are not," he alleged.
Defending the Delimitation Bill and Framing the Election Battle
EPS staunchly defended the BJP's move to table the delimitation bill, dismissing Stalin's black-shirt protest as an attempt to deceive the public with "slander and lies." He cited Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assurance that Tamil Nadu's parliamentary representation would actually increase from 7.18% to 7.23% post-delimitation.
He framed the upcoming election as a critical contest between "AIADMK's Tamil pride" and "DMK's corruption and betrayal," positioning his party as the true guardian of Tamil interests.
Welfare Promises and Personal Appeal to Voters
Outlining his vision for the state, EPS promised a series of welfare measures if the AIADMK-led NDA is voted back to power. These include:
- Free refrigerators for households
- Silk sarees for women
- Subsidies for auto-rickshaw drivers
- Concrete houses for the poor
He also pledged to eradicate drug abuse and roll back what he described as crippling taxes imposed by the current government.
Concluding with a personal touch, EPS appealed directly to the Salem electorate: "This is our district. I am one of your family. You can meet me anytime, unlike Stalin. Vote for NDA candidates by supporting the two leaves symbol," he urged, emphasizing his local roots and accessibility compared to the chief minister.
