AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday criticized the ruling DMK, labeling it a ‘family party’ amidst speculation that state sports and youth welfare minister Udhayanidhi Stalin might be elevated to the post of Deputy Chief Minister. Palaniswami’s comments were made during a media address in Salem, highlighting the ongoing political rivalry between the two major parties in Tamil Nadu.Palaniswami questioned the internal dynamics of the DMK, pointing out the sidelining of senior leaders and ministers in favor of Udhayanidhi Stalin, who is the grandson of the late M Karunanidhi and the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin. “When there are many senior leaders and ministers in the DMK, why aren’t they given the post of Deputy Chief Minister? Because the DMK is a family party and it’s a family rule. As Udhayanidhi is the grandson of late M Karunanidhi and son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, plans are afoot to bestow him with the post of Deputy Chief Minister. But it’s not so in AIADMK,” he asserted.
The AIADMK leader also criticized Chief Minister Stalin’s recent visit to an ‘Amma’ canteen in Chennai, describing it as a drama. He questioned why Stalin had not inspected any of the 664 ‘Amma’ canteens established by the AIADMK over the past three years. “Of the 407 ‘Amma’ canteens established in Chennai, the DMK closed 19 canteens,” Palaniswami added.
Palaniswami reiterated his criticism of the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu, claiming that 595 murders had occurred in 200 days. He accused the DMK government of failing to provide the police with the necessary freedom to function effectively. “Tamil Nadu has become a murder city as police have not been given complete freedom to function. Ganja (marijuana) is easily available near schools and colleges. Corruption has become rampant in all departments,” he alleged.