Thoothukudi: Tamil Nadu Minister for Social Welfare and Women’s Rights, Geetha Jeevan, criticized AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami and BJP leader K. Annamalai, alleging a secret alliance between their parties. She made these remarks during a Pongal celebration organized by the DMK’s Thoothukudi North district unit at Doovipuram.After distributing prizes to competition winners, Geetha Jeevan addressed the gathering, focusing on the achievements of Tamil Nadu under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and condemning the opposition’s baseless criticisms.
The minister stated, “Some individuals are trying to prevent the use of the term ‘Tamil Nadu’ and oppose the singing of the Tamil Thai Vazhthu (Tamil anthem). However, CM Stalin is boldly fighting to protect the state and its language.”
Responding to opposition claims that Tamil Nadu is unsafe for women, she countered, “Tamil Nadu leads India in women’s employment, with 41% of women engaged as employees and entrepreneurs. It is also the state with the highest number of educated women. Furthermore, a central government report ranked Chennai, Coimbatore, and Trichy among the safest cities for women in India.”
Geetha Jeevan criticized the AIADMK and BJP for making unfounded accusations against the Tamil Nadu government. “They have nothing substantial to criticize the government, so they resort to baseless claims for political gain,” she said.
The minister also highlighted recent incidents involving AIADMK and
BJP members, stating, “An AIADMK leader in Chennai and a BJP leader in Madurai were arrested in sexual assault cases. Yet, neither Palaniswami nor Annamalai has addressed these issues because the accused belong to their parties.”
Geetha Jeevan alleged a secret alliance between the AIADMK and BJP, claiming, “It is clear from their actions that these parties are colluding with a malicious intent to disrupt Tamil Nadu’s development. They cannot tolerate the state’s progress under CM Stalin’s leadership.”
Concluding her speech, the minister assured, “Despite the opposition’s efforts, CM Stalin remains committed to steering Tamil Nadu on the path of progress. The people of Tamil Nadu are well aware of these political games and stand with the government.”