AIADMK leader EPS asks voters not to compare Vijay with M G Ramachandran

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami told supporters not to compare actor-politician Vijay with party founder and former Chief Minister M G Ramachandran. Speaking at a poll rally, he said MGR devoted his earnings to public welfare and donated property after his death. He also criticised Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s tone in political attacks.

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday urged people not to compare actor-politician Vijay with AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran. Speaking at an election rally, Palaniswami said MGR served people during life and donated property after death. Palaniswami also criticised Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Palaniswami said criticism needs dignity and discipline.

Palaniswami said MGR held a special place for AIADMK workers and supporters. Palaniswami said MGR used film earnings for public welfare and worked for people’s well-being. Palaniswami also said MGR gave away personal property to a deaf and dumb home. Palaniswami said these acts set MGR apart from newer political entrants.

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami on MGR comparison with Vijay

"Dont compare him with MGR as M G Ramachandran was fondly addressed, who is a god to us. MGR spent the money he earned from acting in films for the people and always strived for the peoples well-being in his lifetime. After his demise, he donated his property to the deaf and dumb home. That excellent man is our leader,\" Palaniswami said, and the crowd responded with a thunderous applause.

Palaniswami questioned whether Vijay matched that record. Palaniswami said, in a democracy, anyone may enter politics and it is a right. Palaniswami added that public expectations follow once a person joins politics. Palaniswami said leaders should face people’s issues and not disappoint those who depend on them.

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami contrasts AIADMK and DMK

Palaniswami said AIADMK and DMK differed in conduct and priorities. Palaniswami said AIADMK followed the political school of MGR and late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. Palaniswami said dignity and discipline mattered while criticising others. Palaniswami said the party’s main focus remained the welfare of the people.

During the rally, a party member displayed a photo of Udhayanidhi Stalin. Palaniswami said, \"Show it to the crowd. He will get annoyed if I display it.\" Palaniswami used the moment to attack Udhayanidhi Stalin. Palaniswami repeated the need for discipline and respectful criticism.

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami cites governance during crises

Palaniswami said Palaniswami faced many challenges as chief minister until the end of the tenure. Palaniswami listed drought, cyclone, floods, and the pandemic as major pressures. Palaniswami said the pandemic kept people inside their homes. Palaniswami said these events tested the administration and required steady decision-making.

Palaniswami said, \"During such challenging times, I delivered good governance without causing hardships to the people,\" Palaniswami said. Palaniswami presented this as the basis for expectations from leaders. Palaniswami said political entrants should be ready to handle public problems. Palaniswami ended by restating welfare, dignity, and discipline as AIADMK priorities.

With inputs from PTI