NTK Leader Seeman Condemns Decades of Governance Failure in Tamil Nadu
In a fiery campaign speech in Coimbatore, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman launched a scathing attack on both the AIADMK and DMK, accusing them of mismanaging the basic needs of Tamil Nadu's people for the past 60 years. He highlighted a series of critical issues plaguing the state, from soaring living costs to environmental degradation.
Sharp Increases in Essential Costs and Basic Amenities
Seeman pointed out that electricity charges, property taxes, and registration fees have all seen dramatic hikes under successive governments. He emphasized that these financial burdens are crippling ordinary citizens, making daily life increasingly unaffordable. Beyond economics, he lamented the lack of safe drinking water and the contamination of fruits like tomatoes, mangoes, and grapes, which pose serious health risks.
"We are forced to breathe air thick with industrial dust," Seeman declared, underscoring the environmental neglect that has compromised public health. He argued that these failures reflect a deep-seated disregard for the populace's welfare.
Mounting Debt and Dependence on Liquor Revenue
The NTK chief coordinator did not spare the current administration, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. He revealed that the state has accumulated a staggering debt of Rs 4.25 lakh crore over the last five years, questioning the sustainability of such financial management. Seeman also criticized the government's reliance on liquor sales for revenue, calling it shameful to run a state by "intoxicating everyone."
He invoked actor Rajinikanth's famous line to drive home his point: "If DMK or AIADMK comes back to power, as Rajinikanth said, 'Even if God himself comes, Tamil Nadu cannot be saved now.'" This statement highlighted his belief that the political establishment is beyond redemption.
Election Manifestos, Freebies, and Unaddressed Issues
Seeman took aim at the DMK's election manifesto, noting its omission of any plan to reclaim Katchatheevu, a longstanding territorial dispute. He slammed the practice of offering freebies and vote-buying schemes, such as Rs 8,000 coupons for household essentials, as deceptive tactics meant to mislead voters rather than foster genuine growth.
"Do you believe growth comes from such tactics?" he questioned, urging the public to see through what he described as empty promises designed to secure votes without addressing core issues.
Contrast in Legal Actions and Personal Commitment
Seeman highlighted what he sees as selective justice, citing a case filed against him in Erode East for speaking five minutes longer during a campaign, while questioning whether proper cases have been registered for the 41 lives lost at a rally in Karur organized by a new party. This comparison, he argued, exposes biases in the political and legal systems.
Concluding his remarks, Seeman reaffirmed his dedication to the people, stating, "For the past 15 years, I have stood in the field for the people, without seeking money or political positions." He positioned NTK as an alternative focused on genuine public service, contrasting it with what he portrays as the self-serving agendas of the dominant parties.
