AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami launched a scathing critique of the ruling DMK government on Monday, alleging a severe breakdown of law and order in Tamil Nadu. The opposition leader made these remarks during a public meeting in Tiruttani, as part of his statewide 'Makkalai Kappom, Tamilagathai Meetpom' campaign.
Attack on Migrant Worker Highlights Safety Crisis
Palaniswami pointed to a recent violent incident near the Tiruttani railway station to underscore his allegations. He stated that a group of intoxicated minors allegedly assaulted a migrant worker with sharp weapons. The AIADMK leader claimed that the attackers not only harassed and beat the worker but also recorded the assault to create social media reels. He used this event to assert that under the present DMK regime, safety is compromised for everyone, from young girls to elderly women.
Government Blamed for Rampant Drug Availability
Sharpening his attack, Palaniswami directly linked the violence to the state government's failure to control the narcotics trade. He alleged that the attackers were under the influence of drugs and blamed the incident on the free availability of ganja and other contraband substances. The former Chief Minister recalled that his party had repeatedly raised the issue of rampant drug availability in the assembly since the DMK took office, but no concrete action was taken.
"This inaction has led to the present situation," Palaniswami said, adding that drug addiction among the youth is alarmingly on the rise. To further illustrate the decline in discipline, he referenced another recent incident in Tirunelveli district where a group of Class IX students were alleged to have consumed alcohol inside a classroom. He appealed to parents to instill discipline in their children, whom he described as the future of the state.
Confident Prediction of AIADMK's Electoral Return
Turning his focus to the political arena, Palaniswami exuded confidence about his party's prospects in the upcoming elections. He made a veiled reference to actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and other rivals, dismissing their claims of an impending massive victory as hollow. He contrasted those claims with the enthusiastic reception he received from the public in Tiruttani, which was the 178th constituency of his campaign tour.
"The kind of reception from you is a clear indication that the party would return to power, putting an end to dynasty politics," Palaniswami told the crowd. He expressed strong confidence that the AIADMK-led front would secure more than 210 seats and that the party would form the government on its own strength.
