EPS Launches Fresh Salvo Against Karunanidhi, Accuses DMK of Neglecting Cadres
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has escalated his political rhetoric, directly targeting the legacy of late DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi during a campaign event in Salem. Palaniswami, commonly known as EPS, accused Karunanidhi of focusing on his family's welfare at the expense of DMK party workers, drawing a sharp contrast with AIADMK's founding figures.
Contrasting Leadership: AIADMK Deities vs. DMK Dynasty
In his address, EPS portrayed former chief ministers M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and J. Jayalalithaa as "deities" who uplifted the masses and empowered ordinary individuals. "They uplifted common men like me to this position. On the other hand, Karunanidhi only helped his family grow," EPS asserted, emphasizing his own rise from humble beginnings under AIADMK's banner.
He described MGR as a "magnanimous" leader who nurtured cadres to embody similar qualities, while alleging that neither Karunanidhi nor his son and current DMK president, M. K. Stalin, showed genuine interest in the welfare of their party's grassroots supporters.
Deepening the Assault: From Memorials to 2G Spectrum
This latest criticism is part of a sustained offensive by EPS over recent days. It began with claims that Stalin restricted Karunanidhi's movements in his final years, a charge Stalin countered by likening his father to an unrestrained "lion." EPS retorted that Karunanidhi's leadership was not as illustrious as portrayed.
The AIADMK leader also addressed accusations about denying land for a Karunanidhi memorial, alleging that the late DMK leader had similarly refused land for memorials of former chief minister K. Kamaraj and Janakiammal. EPS has vowed to order a probe into the circumstances surrounding Karunanidhi's demise, further intensifying the political feud.
His attacks extended to other DMK figures, including deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and MP Kanimozhi, with EPS predicting that "people will put an end to the dynastic rule in the upcoming assembly election."
Defiance on Legal Fronts: 2G Spectrum Audio Clip
On the contentious 2G spectrum case, EPS referenced an audio clip and challenged DMK leaders to file a case against him for discussing its contents. "I have seen several cases. I will not be cowed down by such threats," he declared, showcasing his readiness to confront legal battles as part of his political strategy.
This series of allegations and counter-allegations highlights the escalating tensions between AIADMK and DMK as both parties gear up for future electoral contests, with EPS positioning himself as a staunch critic of dynastic politics while championing the legacy of AIADMK's iconic leaders.
