EPS slams Stalin for remarks on NDA show

AIADMK general secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) launched a fierce attack on the ruling DMK government, describing its rule as a “hollow engine that does not run.” The remarks came amid intensifying political rhetoric ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, as opposition parties step up their campaign against the incumbent government. Addressing supporters at a major National Democratic Alliance (NDA) rally in Maduranthakam, EPS criticized DMK Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and his administration for what he termed as stagnant governance and lack of tangible progress in the state. He likened the DMK’s leadership to a “broken engine,” arguing that despite being in power for over four years, the government has failed to move forward with meaningful development initiatives. Palaniswami’s comments were triggered by Chief Minister Stalin’s recent criticism of the BJP’s “double engine” governance model, which Stalin had dismissed as ineffective in Tamil Nadu. In response, EPS accused the DMK government of failing to deliver on key public promises, including infrastructure projects and central funding for state initiatives. He challenged Stalin to show results rather than rely on political rhetoric. The AIADMK leader’s critique also framed the upcoming election as a referendum on the DMK’s performance, urging voters to reject what he described as “family rule and bureaucratic drift” and back the NDA alliance for stronger, more effective governance in Tamil Nadu.