Nilgiris, Sept 24: Former Chief Minister and ADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami addressed a large gathering of the public near the bus stand in Coonoor today, fiercely criticizing the DMK government’s policies and calling them negligent and unfair to the common people.Palaniswami, who is campaigning across Tamil Nadu under the slogan “Protect the People, Rescue Tamil Nadu,” said that under the DMK’s rule the inflation of essential goods—such as rice, pulses, and cooking oil—has spiraled so much that ordinary people are suffering. He accused the government of being indifferent to price rise and failing to safeguard the welfare of the poor.
He further alleged that commercial activities in areas like Ooty and Coonoor have been badly hit due to restrictive vehicle‐entry norms imposed by the government. He assured shopkeepers that once ADMK returns to power, those conditions will be reviewed and removed.
Palaniswami also launched a scathing attack on DMK administration’s tax policies in municipal areas. He claimed that property tax, drinking water charges, house tax and similar levies have been raised several times over under DMK rule.
On the issue of liquor sales through government‐run TASMAC shops, he charged widespread corruption. Citing figures, he said there are roughly 6,000 TASMAC outlets in Tamil Nadu, through which about 1.5 crore bottles are sold daily. According to his claim, excess charges and irregularities in billing result in revenues of around ₹15 crore per day, adding up to ₹5,400 crore annually. He demanded accountability and said all those responsible would be punished once his party returns to power.
While strongly criticizing DMK’s governance, Palaniswami emphasized that ADMK remains a strong party that cannot be shaken, no matter what pressures or conspiracies the ruling party may attempt. He said the support from party workers remains solid and that ADMK’s morale is undimmed.