AIADMK’s General Secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami accused the DMK of being a stooge for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during their previous coalition at the Centre.
This accusation follows DMK President and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s claim that the AIADMK had pledged the state’s rights with the BJP. Palaniswami, the former Chief Minister, alleged that the DMK, during their previous coalition with the BJP from 1999 to 2004, had opposed cultural events like Jallikattu and laid the groundwork for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions. He asserted that the DMK was willing to compromise on these issues to remain part of a coalition at the Centre.
Palaniswami also challenged Stalin’s assertion that 100% of the DMK’s poll promises had been implemented during his 29-month tenure as Chief Minister, claiming that no new schemes were announced or implemented. He accused the Chief Minister of propagating falsehoods.
Additionally, AIADMK’s General Secretary reiterated that his party would not align with the BJP, not just for the 2024 parliamentary elections but also for the 2026 assembly elections. He expressed the intention to form a new, strong alliance led by the AIADMK.
Critiquing the DMK’s regime, Palaniswami pointed out that certain promises made by the party, such as expanding the breakfast scheme and raising the monthly social security pension to Rs 1,500, remained unfulfilled. He also alleged that the DMK’s actions had not met the expectations of the electorate, particularly with regards to jewel loans and women’s safety.