Madurai, June 13:
Former AIADMK Minister R.B. Udhayakumar has strongly criticised the DMK government for failing to fulfil its election promise of upgrading the Madurai Agricultural College into a full-fledged university. Speaking to reporters, Udhayakumar said that despite being in power for over four and a half years, the DMK has not even taken the first step toward implementing the promise.
He further accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who often claims to be a “protector of farmers,” of remaining silent on critical inter-state water issues. “When Kerala speaks about building a new dam across the Mullaperiyar, Karnataka announces a dam across the Mekedatu, and Andhra Pradesh plans one across the Palar, why is Stalin silent? Is he not aware that the livelihood of Tamil Nadu’s farmers is at stake?” Udhayakumar questioned.
Highlighting what he called the DMK’s betrayal, he said, “By signing the Methane project, the DMK stabbed farmers in the back.” In contrast, he praised former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami for declaring the Cauvery Delta region as a protected agricultural zone. “If he is called a true protector of farmers and wears a green shawl, why does that anger the DMK?” he asked.
Taking a jab at Stalin, Udhayakumar mocked a past incident where the Chief Minister was seen walking in a sugarcane field on a cement path while wearing shoes. “The people haven’t forgotten that photo-op,” he remarked sarcastically.
He also issued a warning: “If the DMK continues to target the AIADMK and our General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami in government functions, we will launch statewide black flag protests wherever you go.”
With strong words and a firm tone, Udhayakumar’s remarks indicate a sharpened political attack as the AIADMK prepares for future electoral battles, particularly aiming to rally farmers and rural voters disillusioned with the current DMK administration.