AIADMK Leader EPS Endorses Centre's Delimitation Bill, Confirms Tamil Nadu's Safety
In a significant political development, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has publicly expressed his support for the Central government's delimitation bill. Speaking during a campaign event on V K K Menon Road in Coimbatore on Thursday, Palaniswami emphasized that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had provided clear assurances that Tamil Nadu would not face any adverse effects from the delimitation exercise. He stated that the Modi government is committed to implementing the bill in a manner that ensures satisfaction across all states, dismissing fears propagated by opposition parties.
Criticism of DMK's Propaganda and Election Tactics
Palaniswami launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister M K Stalin and the DMK, accusing them of spreading false propaganda about the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies affecting Tamil Nadu. He asserted that this misinformation campaign stems from a fear of losing the upcoming election. "When Amit Shah visited Tamil Nadu, he explicitly mentioned that no state would be harmed," Palaniswami reiterated. "Regardless of the efforts by DMK and its alliance partners, delimitation will be carried out as promised by the Centre nationwide."
He also responded to comments from senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, questioning his credibility. Palaniswami pointed out that despite serving as a Union minister for nearly three terms, Chidambaram failed to bring any significant schemes to Tamil Nadu. "Chidambaram has no right to criticize AIADMK and its leaders," he declared firmly.
Allegations of Police Bias and Future Actions
In a bold move, Palaniswami accused police officials, including those in higher ranks, of showing favoritism towards the ruling DMK party. He claimed that false cases have been foisted on AIADMK members, particularly in the Karur region. "Once we form the government, these officials, regardless of their positions, will face severe consequences for their actions," he warned, highlighting a promise of accountability under an AIADMK administration.
Rebuttal to Stalin's 'Delhi vs. TN' Narrative
Palaniswami strongly criticized Chief Minister Stalin for framing the current election as a conflict between Delhi and Tamil Nadu. He clarified that this poll has no connection to Delhi and accused Stalin of manipulating public sentiment out of electoral anxiety. "This election is about local governance and development, not a battle with the Centre," he emphasized, urging voters to see through what he called deceptive tactics.
Scathing Remarks on V Senthilbalaji and DMK's Governance
Turning his attention to V Senthilbalaji, who is contesting in Coimbatore South, Palaniswami delivered a harsh critique. He likened Senthilbalaji to a virus more dangerous than COVID-19, stating that while a vaccine exists for the pandemic, there is no cure for someone like him. "He is here to exploit the people and city of Coimbatore after taking full advantage of Karur," Palaniswami alleged. He detailed accusations of corruption, claiming that crores of funds allocated for road-laying works in Karur were misappropriated, with little to no execution on the ground.
Palaniswami also highlighted what he termed the DMK's "success stories," including a 100% hike in property tax, a 150% increase in commercial tax, the implementation of garbage taxes, and electricity tariff hikes. "Tamil Nadu has never witnessed such an incapable chief minister who cannot control these tariff hikes and consistently blames the Centre," he concluded, painting a picture of ineffective governance under the current regime.
