Salem: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) on Saturday declared that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government's survival is fragile and depends entirely on borrowed support. Addressing a thanksgiving rally in Edappadi, EPS noted that TVK had secured only 108 seats and failed to win in eight districts. "They have not formed a government with an absolute majority. Their chair rests on two legs -- the support of VCK and Communist parties, which can be withdrawn at any time. Once that happens, the government will collapse," he said.
EPS targets CM over finances
EPS targeted Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay regarding the state's finances, questioning how a debt-ridden state with liabilities exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore could fund schemes such as Rs 2,500 monthly allowances for women, free gas cylinders, gold rings for children, and saris. "All these are attractive announcements, but none have materialized. Where is the financial allocation?" EPS asked. He recalled that the DMK's 2021 promise of Rs 1,000 monthly assistance had been delivered only after 28 months of pressure from AIADMK. He warned that TVK's Rs 2,500 assistance scheme would require Rs 45,000 crore annually, which the government failed to justify.
Allegations of confusion and internal differences
EPS accused the government of creating confusion by announcing 426 schemes without clarity and said the Rajya Sabha candidate announcement had been made without consulting allies. He asserted that the so-called "Tamil Nadu Progressive Alliance" was already marked by internal differences.
EPS highlights own victory and party strength
EPS cited his record victory margin of 98,000 votes in Edappadi, attributing it to loyal cadres and voters. He said Salem district emerged as AIADMK's fortress by winning seven seats. EPS condemned defections and said four MLAs resigned after "horse-trading," which he said betrayed the party and its supporters, adding that history would not forgive such betrayal. He recalled a jibe by DMK leader M K Stalin calling him "Palaniswami of ten defeats" and said Stalin himself had now been defeated.
EPS reaffirms loyalty to AIADMK
Reaffirming his loyalty, EPS declared: "I have stood with AIADMK for 51 years. I will never deviate. I will remain your son, working for Tamil Nadu's welfare forever. AIADMK is not a finished party. It is a movement blessed by MGR and Jayalalithaa. We will rise again with the support of our cadres and people, ready to reclaim power in the next elections."
