DMK Chief M K Stalin Issues Fiery Challenge to AIADMK Leader Edappadi K Palaniswami
In a series of election campaign rallies held in Pudukkottai and Sivaganga districts on Saturday, DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin launched a scathing attack on AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. Stalin dared Palaniswami to publicly declare, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, that only the two-language policy championed by former Chief Minister C N Annadurai will remain in force in Tamil Nadu.
Accusations of Subservience to BJP and Hindi Imposition
Stalin asserted that a slave cannot speak against the owner, directly targeting the AIADMK-BJP alliance. He highlighted that BJP leaders, including Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan, have been advocating for Hindi imposition through the three-language policy during their visits to the state. "Has EPS voiced any opposition to this?" Stalin questioned, using Palaniswami's initials.
He further accused Dharmendra Pradhan of attempting to saffronise education rather than develop it, claiming that funds are being withheld from Tamil Nadu as retaliation for the DMK's opposition. "Can EPS ask why there was 17% more funds allocated to Sanskrit than Tamil? Can EPS say to Amit Shah that it was wrong to call Sanskrit the source language; does he have the spine?" Stalin demanded.
Criticism of AIADMK's Stance on Central Policies
The DMK chief also questioned Palaniswami's silence on several central government initiatives. He pointed out that if the AIADMK wanted to stop the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), it could have done so with its Members of Parliament. Similarly, Stalin accused the AIADMK of betraying minorities by supporting the Waqf Amendment Bill and noted that proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) are likely to target Christians. "Has he opposed any of this, even for the sake of the election," Stalin asked.
Historical Pride and Law and Order
Stalin also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning why he visited Thiruparankundram but did not go to the Keeladi archaeological site. "Why have you not released the Keeladi excavation report? Why is Tamil historical pride bitter to you?" he inquired.
Additionally, the DMK leader countered BJP leaders from northern India who have criticized the law and order situation and women's safety in Tamil Nadu. He listed a string of crimes against women and children in BJP-ruled states, asserting that the BJP has no right to speak about women's safety in Tamil Nadu, where women can travel safely even at midnight.
Contrasting Achievements and Ideology
Stalin emphasized that the DMK has several achievements to showcase, while accusing Palaniswami of having neither ideology nor accomplishments. "That is why he continues to stoop low by making slanderous remarks. He is not Palaniswami, but 'Aama Swami' and 'Adimai Swami'. They have become subservient to a party that is betraying Tamil Nadu and its people, in an alliance dictated from Delhi," he stated.
Response to Political Developments and Election Confidence
When questioned by reporters about actor-turned-politician Vijay, Stalin, without naming him, said the DMK is not concerned about anyone entering the political battle.
Earlier, in an interview with PTI, Stalin exuded confidence and predicted a landslide victory for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. He dismissed the opposition's corruption allegations as "scripted dramas" while positioning his flagship welfare schemes as the "superstars" of the election. Stalin also rejected Palaniswami's allegations that his family was acting as a power centre, calling them imaginary tales.
On the recent entry of several AIADMK stalwarts, including former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, into the DMK fold, Stalin remarked that those committed to the Dravidian ideology are returning to its fountainhead. He added that this leaves an unprincipled AIADMK to function out of the BJP's Delhi headquarters.
