DMK Leaders Launch Scathing Attack on AIADMK's Palaniswami Over Controversial Statements
In a sharp escalation of political rhetoric in Tamil Nadu, former chief minister and DMK's Bodinayakanur candidate O Panneerselvam on Friday launched a blistering attack on AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami for his recent remarks concerning chief minister M K Stalin's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Panneerselvam accused the AIADMK leader of lacking both "political decency" and a "civilised approach" in his public statements.
OPS Condemns Palaniswami's COVID Death Remark as Indecent
Panneerselvam, commonly known as OPS, issued a strongly worded video message condemning Palaniswami's suggestion that "Stalin would have gone in COVID if not for AIADMK government." The DMK leader characterized this statement as "highly condemnable" and predicted that voters would deliver Palaniswami his eleventh electoral defeat in the upcoming assembly elections as punishment for such attitudes.
"The way he speaks amounts to peak of indecency," OPS asserted. "He will never achieve success in politics by adopting such an uncivilised approach." The former chief minister contrasted this with what he described as Stalin's courageous leadership during the pandemic, noting that the current CM was the only leader who personally visited COVID wards to check on patients' wellbeing after assuming office.
DMK Women Leaders Demand Apology Over 2G Spectrum Comments
The controversy extended beyond pandemic politics as DMK women leaders separately criticized Palaniswami for his comments regarding Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi and the pending 2G spectrum case. They demanded an immediate apology from the AIADMK chief and warned of potential legal action if he failed to retract his statements.
Former Rajya Sabha MP Dr Kanimozhi Somu delivered particularly pointed criticism, suggesting Palaniswami "was not a CM who was elected by people, but came to power by falling at the feet of others." She went further to advise him to consult a doctor to assess his mental health, framing his behavior as understandable only in the context of how he attained power.
DMK leader Thamizhachi Thangapandian characterized Palaniswami's remarks as reflecting the mindset of a "third-rate politician" and confirmed the party would initiate legal proceedings against him for making what she described as "derogatory comments" against Kanimozhi.
Broader Pattern of Criticism Against Stalin Family
DMK leaders also accused Palaniswami of repeatedly making disparaging remarks not only against Chief Minister M K Stalin but also against Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin. This pattern of criticism, according to party representatives, demonstrates a consistent lack of decorum from the AIADMK leadership that contrasts sharply with the DMK's approach to political discourse.
The political temperature in Tamil Nadu continues to rise as both parties position themselves ahead of future electoral contests, with personal attacks becoming increasingly central to their public communications strategy.
