Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami subtly criticised the BJP, emphasising that voters shouldn’t be swayed solely by the construction of a temple in Ayodhya.
Palaniswami addressing press persons in Salem asserted that if building temples were the criteria for winning elections, the AIADMK would have a significant advantage, citing the party’s contributions to temple-related initiatives during its rule.
During our tenure, major temples witnessed the initiation of ‘annadanam’ (charitable food distribution), consecrations, and extensive renovations, he said. He highlighted AIADMK’s commitment to treating people of all faiths equally, pointing out that the party allocated special funds for the renovation of churches and mosques.
Taking a dig at the DMK, Palaniswami criticized the turnout at the youth wing conference in Salem, claiming it fell short of expectations with less than 1.5 lakh attendees. In contrast, he boasted about the record-breaking turnout of 15 lakh people at a recent AIADMK conference in Madurai.
Palaniswami didn’t mince words in condemning the DMK government’s failure to abolish NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), labeling it as a deceptive move ahead of elections. He alleged that the anti-NEET signatures collected during a DMK conference were found scattered around the venue, questioning the efficacy of resolutions passed during the event.
Predicting the disintegration of the INDIA block, Palaniswami argued that parties with diverse principles and ideologies cannot sustain a cohesive alliance. He suggested that the rift within the coalition would soon become apparent, as differing perspectives might strain the unity of the bloc.