AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami launched a scathing attack on the BJP for its selective focus on certain issues during election seasons, accusing the party of squandering its ten years in power at the Centre. Addressing a public meeting in Krishnagiri, Palaniswami dismissed the BJP’s attempts to revive the Katchatheevu issue as mere election gimmicks and shifted the spotlight onto criticizing the DMK government in Tamil Nadu.Palaniswami highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, citing a rise in drug sales and emphasizing the need for the people to teach the DMK a “befitting lesson” and vote them out of power. He characterized the DMK as a “corporate company” engaged in dynasty politics, seeking to discredit their governance credentials.
In a bid to counter Chief Minister MK Stalin’s claims of development in Tamil Nadu, Palaniswami alleged that the state was leading only in corruption, ganja sales, and borrowing under the DMK rule. He asserted that only ten percent of the DMK’s promises had been fulfilled, contrasting it with the AIADMK’s track record of delivering on all promises during its tenure.
Palaniswami criticized the BJP for its sudden interest in issues such as Katchatheevu during elections, accusing the party of neglecting the concerns of Tamil Nadu fishermen when they were arrested by the Sri Lankan navy. He accused the BJP of exploiting the fishermen’s plight for political gain, alleging that their newfound concern was merely a ploy to secure votes.
Furthermore, Palaniswami took aim at the Congress-DMK governments for relinquishing Tamil Nadu’s rights over Katchatheevu in 1974, asserting that it was former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa who genuinely fought for the issue. He highlighted Jayalalithaa’s efforts to reclaim Katchatheevu, including legal battles and appeals to the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, lamenting the lack of action on their demands.