AIADMK Leader Edappadi K Palaniswami Launches Scathing Attack on DMK's Election Promises
In a fiery campaign speech delivered on Sunday, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami launched a blistering critique of the ruling DMK's electoral pledges, branding them as a recipe for corruption and deception. Addressing a gathering in Radhapuram, Tirunelveli, the former chief minister specifically targeted the DMK's proposed 8,000 coupon scheme, asserting it would enable party functionaries to demand illicit commissions from beneficiaries.
Allegations of Systemic Corruption in Welfare Distribution
Palaniswami painted a stark contrast between the two parties' approaches to welfare. "Stalin's coupon announcement is purely for commissions," he declared emphatically. "The tokens will be distributed by DMK workers who will demand a cut before handing them over, and you will be told which brand to buy." He positioned the AIADMK's alternative as more transparent and direct, stating, "We are not like that — under AIADMK, 10,000 will go directly into each family's bank account."
Claims of DMK Copying AIADMK's Policy Proposals
The AIADMK leader further accused Chief Minister M K Stalin of appropriating his party's earlier policy suggestions. He highlighted several welfare announcements, including the increase in monthly financial assistance for women from 1,500 to 2,000 rupees and the 12,000 rupee aid for fishermen during the seasonal ban period, as initiatives originally proposed by the AIADMK. "He did not implement these promises before — how will people trust him to do it now," Palaniswami questioned, casting doubt on the DMK's credibility.
Catalogue of Unfulfilled 2021 Election Promises
Palaniswami presented a detailed indictment of the DMK's track record, charging that the party has failed to deliver on the majority of its 2021 election commitments. He pointed to several key unfulfilled promises:
- Reduction in petrol and diesel prices
- Restoration of the cooking gas subsidy
- Waiver of education loans for students
- Enhancement of MNREGA working days from 100 to 150 annually
"DMK did not fulfil one-fourth of the 525 promises made ahead of the 2021 elections," he asserted, reinforcing his argument about the party's unreliable governance.
Criticism of DMK's Stance on NEET and Free Laptop Scheme
Earlier during his campaign in Nagercoil, where he was rallying support for NDA candidates, Palaniswami tackled other contentious issues. He accused the DMK of hypocrisy regarding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), noting, "They introduced NEET when they were in power at the Centre, and now they pretend to oppose it. Even their own chief minister has admitted exemption is not possible. This is nothing but a calculated deception of the people."
Additionally, he criticized the DMK's handling of the free laptop scheme for students, alleging the party first discontinued the initiative and later resumed it with substandard devices, compromising educational support.
Vow of Accountability and Legal Action
In a powerful conclusion to his remarks, Palaniswami issued a stern warning about future accountability. He pledged that upon the AIADMK's return to power, a commission of inquiry would be established to investigate alleged corruption. "If corruption is found, strict legal action will follow. Those responsible will be held accountable," he vowed, positioning his party as the champion of transparency and justice in Tamil Nadu politics.
