AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami made significant political statements during a public meeting in Omalur, Salem district on Saturday, asserting that his party stands unique in Indian politics for successfully reuniting after a major split.
Historic Party Reunification
Edappadi K Palaniswami emphatically declared that no political party except AIADMK has ever reunited after experiencing a split. The remark gains significance amid ongoing demands for reinstating leaders expelled from the party.
Speaking at an event organized to mark AIADMK's 54th founding day, Palaniswami credited former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa for the remarkable achievement of reuniting the party that had split into two factions following the death of legendary leader M.G. Ramachandran.
Surviving Political Challenges
Palaniswami highlighted the numerous challenges AIADMK has faced since its inception, stating "We have emerged victorious from all the tests". He outlined how each leadership phase confronted its own set of obstacles.
"When the party was founded, MGR faced tests. After MGR's death, Jayalalithaa faced various tests. After Jayalalithaa's death, we have been facing countless tests," EPS explained, attributing the party's resilience to its foundation as a people's movement.
Scathing Attack on DMK
The AIADMK leader launched a fierce criticism against the ruling DMK government, accusing it of corruption and misrule. He described DMK as "not a party, but a corporate company" and condemned what he termed as the deterioration of law and order in Tamil Nadu.
Palaniswami made serious allegations about multiple power centers within the current administration, claiming "Tamil Nadu has four CMs now - M K Stalin, Udhayanidhi, Stalin's wife Durga and his son-in-law Sabareesan".
He particularly targeted DMK's dynastic politics, stating: "Succession politics continues in DMK. After Karunanidhi, Stalin and Udhayanidhi. They will not hesitate to bring in Inbanithi (Udhayanidhi's son). What kind of royal lineage is it?"
Drawing a sharp contrast, Palaniswami emphasized that "in the AIADMK, even an ordinary member can become a CM or a general secretary", highlighting his party's democratic credentials.
The AIADMK general secretary also expressed grave concern over law and order situation, specifically mentioning the recent Coimbatore gangrape case which he termed as "the worst atrocity" under DMK rule and criticized the government for operating with an in-charge DGP for law and order.
