Stalin fears ED raids, Claims EPS in scathing attack

Villupuram, July 12: AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) launched a scathing attack on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accusing him and his ministers of being terrified of possible Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids.

Addressing public meetings in Vanur, Mailam, and Tindivanam areas of Villupuram district on Friday, EPS said, “Stalin and his ministers are trembling in fear, not knowing when the ED will knock on their doors.”

EPS accused Stalin of betraying the people with false promises. “He promised ₹100 subsidy for gas cylinders – where is it? He said student loans would be waived – it never happened. Even on NEET, no proper action has been taken. Students lost their lives while DMK played politics,” he charged.

He further criticised the dynastic politics of the DMK, stating, “Only family members can rise in the DMK – is it a monarchy? The upcoming Assembly polls will end this heir-driven politics.”

Countering Stalin’s jibe that EPS “fears education”, Palaniswami responded, “For me, education is life. Education is as important to children as eyes are to human beings. It was the AIADMK government that established colleges and polytechnics to uplift students.”

Taking credit for educational reforms, EPS said, “We didn’t open universities to name them after leaders. We created them to ensure quality education. Under our rule, 2,818 students from government schools became doctors through the 7.5% reservation. That’s a historic achievement.”

EPS also stated that he was the only Chief Minister in India to use Article 162 of the Constitution to implement reservation, even when the Governor withheld assent to the bill. “We were in alliance with the BJP, but never hesitated to make bold decisions. My only concern was students’ future, not my post.”

Lashing out at Stalin’s remarks that he was a BJP puppet, EPS said, “You have no right to speak about me. You are the one trembling. You fear ED raids, not me. AIADMK is a fearless party with strong grassroots support.”

He accused the DMK of repeatedly trying to break the AIADMK but failing every time. “You say you saved AIADMK? It is DMK that needs saving. No one knows where your ministers are. During elections, they go into hiding. Rowdies and lawbreakers roam freely under your rule.”

Ending with a sharp dig, EPS said, “Stalin deserves a Nobel Prize for lying. Whether as party chief or CM, he speaks without understanding the issues. His speeches are full of confusion.”

The fiery speech sets the stage for a heated political battle as Tamil Nadu moves toward its next major electoral showdown.