AIADMK viral audio probe pledge: Edappadi K Palaniswami challenges M K Stalin over A Raja remark

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami told M K Stalin to address A Raja over a viral audio alleging M Karunanidhi was kept under house arrest in his final days. Speaking at an Arani rally, he said AIADMK would order a state-led probe into the audio if it forms the government after the April 23 polls.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami asked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to respond to a viral audio linked to DMK leader A Raja. Palaniswami said M K Stalin should direct anger at A Raja, not at AIADMK. Palaniswami also said AIADMK would order a state-led probe into the audio after April 23 polls.

Speaking at an election rally at Arani in the district, Palaniswami said a public debate began after the clip spread. Palaniswami said the discussion focused on whether the alleged incident happened. Palaniswami said the remarks in the clip were already in circulation. Palaniswami added that a later probe would also lead to legal steps.

AIADMK probe into A Raja audio after April 23 polls

Referring to earlier statements, Palaniswami said he had repeated what was heard in the recording. Palaniswami said the clip included A Raja alleging that Stalin kept M Karunanidhi under house arrest in final days. Palaniswami also cited another claim linked to M K Alagiri. Palaniswami said those words added weight to the issue.

"Mr Stalin, dont vent your anger on me, direct it on your deputy general secretary and former union minister A Raja, who released the audio which went viral. I had mentioned what Raja said in his audio message. Why get annoyed? Show your anger at Raja, and he will tell the truth. Theres no use in showing your displeasure with me,\" Palaniswami said.

Palaniswami said M K Alagiri had made a public remark on Karunanidhi’s last days. Palaniswami told the crowd that Alagiri had described Karunanidhi as being treated like a prisoner. Palaniswami asked if it was right to keep a senior leader confined at home. Palaniswami also linked Karunanidhi’s role to Stalin’s rise in DMK.

M K Stalin response to A Raja audio allegation

M K Stalin rejected the allegation and called it baseless and offensive. Stalin warned Palaniswami to limit attacks to Stalin’s work as chief minister. Stalin said M Karunanidhi was resting due to age-related ailments. Stalin also said Palaniswami crossed all red lines. Palaniswami, in turn, asked Stalin to keep political decorum while criticising AIADMK.

Recalling the 2021 Assembly election period, Palaniswami pointed to Stalin’s earlier promise of a probe. Palaniswami referred to the 2016 death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. Palaniswami also mentioned the 75-day hospitalisation linked to that period. Palaniswami argued that Karunanidhi was also a former chief minister and deserved similar scrutiny.

K Ponmudi case and AIADMK action on officials

Palaniswami also spoke about the 2012 red sand quarry case involving former DMK minister K Ponmudi. Palaniswami said action would be taken against officials whose steps led to the acquittal. A Villupuram court earlier this week acquitted Ponmudi and six others. The court cited weak evidence submitted by the district administration.

The exchange added to rising political tensions during the campaign. Palaniswami maintained that AIADMK only repeated claims already made in public. Stalin maintained that the allegation was wrong and insulting, and referred to Karunanidhi’s health. Palaniswami repeated that a state-led probe would be ordered after April 23 polls, along with legal action.

With inputs from PTI