Chennai, Jan 27: AIADMK’s General Secretary, ‘Edappadi’ K Palaniswami, launched a scathing attack on the DMK, accusing them of attempting to establish a form of monarchy within the democratic framework of the nation. In a speech delivered in Salem, Palaniswami criticized the DMK, referring to it as a “family party” with multiple power centers emerging within the same family.Palaniswami particularly pointed to Inbanithi Stalin, son of Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, entering politics through his participation in the DMK’s youth wing conference in Salem. Expressing concern, he stated that the DMK’s approach to promoting individuals from the same family into prominent political positions undermines the principles of a democratic setup.
“The DMK is trying to bring about a monarchy. It does not augur well for a democracy if those from the same family become chief ministers. The DMK is running an autocratic form of government, and power centers have increased in their family,” remarked Palaniswami during the address.
Highlighting what he perceived as the consequences of DMK’s governance, Palaniswami criticized the alleged deterioration of law and order in Tamil Nadu. He cited rising crime rates, including murders and robberies, and expressed concern about the widespread availability of ganja, adversely affecting the lives of students.
Addressing economic concerns, Palaniswami claimed that inflation has surged under DMK rule, in contrast to the controlled prices during the AIADMK’s tenure. He asserted that citizens are grappling with increased expenditures, a struggling agricultural sector, and escalated property tax and electricity tariffs in urban areas.
The AIADMK leader invoked the legacies of former Chief Ministers MGR and Jayalalithaa, stating that their rule witnessed the implementation of numerous welfare schemes and elevated Tamil Nadu in the higher education sector.