AIADMK's Palaniswami Counters Stalin on Delimitation, Accuses DMK of Double Standards
In a sharp political exchange, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday responded to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin's criticism over delimitation, asserting that the exercise would not affect the state. This came a day after Stalin questioned Palaniswami's silence on the issue, alleging that the BJP government was attempting to penalize southern states like Tamil Nadu by reducing their Lok Sabha representation through delimitation.
Delimitation Debate and Political Accusations
During a campaign event in Dindigul, Palaniswami cited Union Home Minister Amit Shah's previous clarification, stating that delimitation would have no impact on Tamil Nadu. "Despite this assurance, Stalin is raising the issue solely to criticize the Union government. He is making such claims out of fear of defeat," Palaniswami declared. He accused Stalin of using the delimitation topic as a political tool to attack the BJP, rather than addressing genuine state concerns.
Stalin had earlier questioned whether Palaniswami had the courage to oppose the BJP, pointing to his silence on Union government actions. Palaniswami's response highlighted the ongoing tension between the two major Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu, with the AIADMK leader positioning himself as a defender of state interests against what he termed as DMK's fear-mongering.
Language Policy and Growth Claims Under Fire
Palaniswami further accused the DMK of double standards on language policy, referencing historical anti-Hindi protests during Congress rule. "During the Congress rule, many sacrificed their lives in anti-Hindi protests. Now the DMK is allied with the Congress. While Stalin's family runs a CBSE school, he questions us on language policy," he said, adding that the DMK could not "deceive the people" with such hypocrisy.
On economic matters, Palaniswami disputed Stalin's claims of double-digit growth in the State's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). He attributed industrial growth to Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the AIADMK regime, accusing Stalin of falsely claiming credit. "Industrial growth is due to MoUs signed during the AIADMK regime. Stalin is falsely claiming credit," Palaniswami asserted. He explained that job creation does not occur immediately after MoUs are signed, noting that it takes years of processes for employment to be generated.
Agricultural Decline and Corruption Allegations
Criticizing the DMK's agricultural performance, Palaniswami highlighted a decline in growth rates. "Agriculture growth fell from 5.5% during the AIADMK tenure to 3.5% under the DMK. Such a vital sector has weakened," he stated, emphasizing the impact on farmers and the state's economy.
In response to allegations of using derogatory language, Palaniswami pointed to the DMK's failure to act against its own leaders. "They mocked leaders like MGR and Amma. We will respond in the same manner they speak," he said, referring to remarks by a DMK Rajya Sabha MP against K Kamaraj. He also targeted the DMK over an illegal kidney extraction racket allegedly linked to a party functionary, promising a thorough probe if the AIADMK returns to power. "Strong action will be taken against all involved," he vowed.
Palaniswami further criticized remarks by an MLA about buying a luxury car with money earned through kidneys, calling it "arrogant and shameless" and vowing action against corruption. While condoling the death of YouTube journalist Savukku Sankar's mother, he alleged that the DMK government's action against Sankar had caused distress to his family, adding another layer to the political feud.
