AIADMK Chief Palaniswami Frames Lok Sabha Polls as Direct Fight with DMK in Tamil Nadu

In a significant political rally in Tiruchirappalli on March 24, AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami launched a scathing attack on the DMK, labeling it a "family party" and a "corporate company." The former Chief Minister emphasized that the electoral battle in Tamil Nadu is primarily between his party, AIADMK, and the ruling DMK, sidelining the BJP-led alliance in the state.

Palaniswami highlighted the AIADMK's contributions during its tenure from 2011 to 2021, notably mentioning the launch of the Madurai AIIMS project in Tamil Nadu. He questioned the DMK's effectiveness, pointing out their failure to expedite the project despite having 38 MPs in the Lok Sabha from 2019 to 2024. The AIADMK leader criticized DMK's Udhayanidhi Stalin for his symbolic gesture of showing a brick during his campaign, suggesting it was merely for publicity rather than taking substantial action in Parliament to secure funds for the AIIMS project.

The AIADMK chief also took aim at DMK's leadership, questioning Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's achievements since assuming office and accusing the DMK of aiming to loot both at the Centre and in Tamil Nadu. Palaniswami defended his party's stance on various issues, including NEET, asserting that it was introduced by the UPA regime, which included Congress and DMK as key constituents. He accused both parties of deceiving Tamil Nadu's people on this matter.

Palaniswami proudly listed several achievements of the AIADMK regime, such as establishing 11 medical colleges in a single year and providing 7.5% reservation to government school students in medical colleges. He also mentioned infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, check dams, and the Metro Rail project as key accomplishments.

The former chief minister criticized Stalin for not addressing water issues with Karnataka during the INDIA bloc meet held in Bengaluru last year. He blamed Stalin's silence for the inadequate water supply that led to the withering of short-term paddy crop Kuruvai across approximately 3.5 lakh acres. Palaniswami urged voters to teach a lesson to Stalin in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls for betraying Tamil Nadu and its farmers.

The rally saw participation from leaders of allied parties including DMDK chief Premalatha Vijayakanth, Puthiya Tamizhagam founder K Krishnasamy, SDPI state unit chief Nellai Mubarak, and All India Forward Bloc general secretary PV Kathiravan. The event also served as a platform to formally introduce all 39 candidates of the AIADMK and its allies to the public.

Earlier on Sunday morning, Palaniswami visited the Lord Perumal temple in his home district of Salem and campaigned for his party and allies by distributing pamphlets. With Tamil Nadu having 39 Lok Sabha seats, the state is gearing up for polls on April 19, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral battle between AIADMK and DMK.