OPS Unleashes Fiery Critique of EPS and BJP in Maiden DMK Campaign Address
In a significant political development, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam delivered his first campaign speech after joining the DMK, launching a vehement attack on AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Simultaneously, he extended high praise for current Chief Minister M K Stalin, setting the tone for a heated electoral battle in the state.
Stalin's Governance and Dravidian Model Praised
Panneerselvam, who recently aligned with the DMK, commenced his assembly election campaign from Tenkasi district, addressing enthusiastic crowds in Tenkasi, Kadayanallur, and Sankarankoil constituencies. He emphatically stated that Chief Minister Stalin has provided excellent governance over the past five years, leading to widespread public desire for the continuation of the Dravidian Model 2.0 under his leadership.
"The Union government attempted to intimidate Tamil Nadu by withholding funds, but Chief Minister M K Stalin implemented all necessary schemes using the state's own resources," Panneerselvam declared, highlighting the state's financial resilience and administrative efficiency.
Scathing Rebuke of AIADMK Leadership
Turning his focus to the AIADMK, Panneerselvam launched a blistering critique of Edappadi Palaniswami, accusing him of fundamentally altering the party's character. "Palaniswami has transformed AIADMK—once a party for all—into an organization based on caste," he alleged, suggesting a departure from the party's original inclusive ethos.
In particularly harsh remarks, Panneerselvam stated, "I do not even wish to utter that person's name—the one who crawled his way to power. He crowned himself as general secretary and betrayed the very individual who granted him his office." He further claimed that under Palaniswami's leadership, the AIADMK has suffered electoral defeats while the general secretary remained preoccupied with his personal welfare.
Allegations of BJP Alliance and Spiritual Condemnation
Panneerselvam extended his criticism to the BJP, accusing Palaniswami of mortgaging the AIADMK to forces attempting to create religious divisions in Tamil Nadu. "He has aligned with those who seek to divide our society in the name of religion," he asserted, framing the alliance as detrimental to the state's social fabric.
Invoking the legacy of former AIADMK leaders, Panneerselvam made a spiritual pronouncement: "The souls of late AIADMK leaders M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa will bless me for joining the DMK, which genuinely works for people's welfare. Jayalalithaa's soul will not forgive Palaniswami for his actions." He predicted that voters in southern districts would deliver a decisive lesson to the AIADMK leadership in upcoming elections.
On Law, Order, and Federal Fund Allocation
When questioned by reporters about law and order concerns in southern districts, Panneerselvam offered a pragmatic perspective: "Everyday problems are inevitable; the crucial factor is whether the government takes immediate corrective action. The DMK administration is indeed implementing such prompt measures."
Addressing the NDA's campaign emphasis on central government schemes, Panneerselvam articulated a principle of federal fairness: "Elections represent the collective verdict of the people. The same judgment applied to the Union government should extend to the state government. Tax revenue from Tamil Nadu flows to the central treasury, and when redistributing these funds, the Union government must ensure balanced and equitable allocation to the state."
Expressing contentment with his political transition, Panneerselvam referred to the DMK as "Thai Kazhagam" (Mother Party), acknowledging its effective welfare initiatives. His campaign speech marks a pivotal moment in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, potentially reshaping alliances and voter perceptions ahead of crucial electoral contests.
