AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) accused the DMK government of corruption and political deception, especially over the Katchatheevu issue. Addressing the public during his campaign tour in Ramanathapuram, he said the AIADMK has always worked for the welfare of minorities, not just to gain votes.
EPS strongly criticized Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s recent emotional remarks over the plight of Tamil fishermen, calling it an “election stunt.” He said, “It was during the DMK rule under Karunanidhi that Katchatheevu was handed over to Sri Lanka. For 16 years, DMK members were part of the Union Cabinet but did not raise a voice to reclaim it. Now, Stalin sheds crocodile tears ahead of the 2026 elections, pretending to care about the fishermen.”
He further said it was unfair to blame only the Central Government for the problems faced by fishermen. Highlighting AIADMK’s initiatives during its rule, he said, “We implemented various welfare schemes for minorities, including free rice for Ramzan porridge and financial support for Haj pilgrimage.”
Taking a dig at DMK, EPS alleged that they were trying to create communal tensions under the guise of supporting minorities. “DMK is creating an illusion of concern for minorities. But AIADMK does not discriminate. For us, there are only two categories — men and women. Ours is a party that rises above caste and religion,” he said.