AIADMK Chief Edappadi Palaniswami Launches Scathing Attack on Actor-Politician Vijay
In a significant political development in Chennai, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami launched a sharp critique against actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Wednesday. The seasoned politician labeled Vijay as "ignorant" of both global affairs and the intricate political landscape within Tamil Nadu.
EPS Challenges Vijay to Step Out and Face Media Scrutiny
During a press interaction following the AIADMK district secretaries' meeting in Chennai, Palaniswami issued a direct challenge to the actor-turned-politician. He dared Vijay to leave the confines of his bungalow and engage directly with journalists and the public. EPS emphasized that as the leader of a political party, Vijay should be well-informed about current events and state developments.
"He doesn't watch news channels, read newspapers or meet people. As the leader of a political party, he should know what is happening in the state. But he remains clueless and speaks out of ignorance," Palaniswami stated bluntly to reporters.
Countering Corruption Allegations and Questioning Political Consistency
The AIADMK leader also addressed Vijay's recent characterization of AIADMK as a "corrupt party." EPS pointed out what he called a contradiction in Vijay's stance, noting that the actor had previously expressed admiration for AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran and late chief minister J Jayalalithaa.
"He has even called Amma his role model. How can he now brand AIADMK as corrupt?" Palaniswami questioned, highlighting what he perceived as inconsistency in Vijay's political narrative.
EPS further questioned Vijay's decision to induct former AIADMK minister K A Sengottaiyan into TVK while simultaneously criticizing AIADMK. "You cannot call us corrupt. I have disproved the allegations against me in the court and have come out clean," he asserted, adding a pointed remark about the legal background of the recent TVK recruit without naming Sengottaiyan directly.
Clarifying Alliance Dynamics and Leadership Position
Responding to Vijay's description of the AIADMK-BJP alliance as an 'NDA front,' Palaniswami referenced Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent statements. He emphasized that Shah had clearly established AIADMK as the leading party in the Tamil Nadu alliance and confirmed EPS as the chief ministerial candidate.
"If Vijay is unaware of this or has no time to watch news or meet people, what can we do?" EPS remarked, reinforcing his criticism of the actor-politician's perceived lack of political awareness.
Five Key Poll Promises Unveiled by AIADMK Leadership
On the same occasion, Edappadi Palaniswami announced a fresh set of five significant poll promises that the AIADMK plans to implement upon forming government:
- Education Loan Waiver: Complete waiver of education loans for eligible beneficiaries
- Enhanced LPG Subsidy: Three free LPG cylinders annually for every ration card holder
- Increased Pension: Enhancement of old-age pension from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 per month
- Disability Support: Waiver of loans taken by differently abled persons
- Women's Empowerment: Interest-free loans for women's Self-Help Groups from minority communities
Palaniswami expressed confidence in implementing these welfare measures and indicated that a comprehensive poll manifesto would be announced soon. The promises specifically target key voter segments including students, households, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and women entrepreneurs from minority communities.
This development marks a significant escalation in political rhetoric between established parties and emerging political forces in Tamil Nadu as election preparations intensify across the state.
