CHENNAI: MDMK general secretary Vaiko and CPI state secretary M Veerapandian on Sunday launched a sharp attack on AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, accusing him of making defamatory and politically motivated remarks against Chief Minister MK Stalin out of electoral desperation and aligning with the BJP under pressure from central agencies.
In a statement, Vaiko alleged that Palaniswami, whom he described as subservient to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had levelled “baseless and malicious” allegations against Stalin. He said Stalin had risen through the ranks of the DMK, serving in various organisational roles from the grassroots, and had endured imprisonment and torture during the Emergency period under MISA.
Vaiko said Stalin went on to become Mayor of Chennai, Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and eventually Chief Minister through sustained political work and the support of party cadres. He also recalled Stalin’s role in caring for his father, former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, during his illness and his efforts to secure a burial site for him near former Chief Minister CN Annadurai’s memorial, despite initial resistance from the then government led by Palaniswami.
Accusing Palaniswami of lacking compassion, Vaiko said he had refused Stalin’s request at the time and only relented after a court intervention. He warned that continued defamatory remarks would invite strong political retaliation.
In a separate statement, Veerapandian said Palaniswami was gripped by fear of electoral defeat and had entered into an opportunistic alliance with the BJP due to pressure from central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation and the Income Tax Department.
He alleged that this had weakened the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and diverted attention from internal issues. Veerapandian condemned Palaniswami for making “derogatory and unfounded” personal allegations against Stalin during campaign meetings, including claims regarding the treatment of Karunanidhi during his final days.
Stating that the people of Tamil Nadu were aware of the care and attention given to Karunanidhi by his family, including Stalin, he said such remarks had caused widespread anger. He added that instead of engaging with political issues democratically, Palaniswami was resorting to “uncivilised and baseless” criticism, which was unbecoming of a Leader of the Opposition and a former Chief Minister.
The CPI urged Palaniswami to refrain from personal attacks and to engage in constructive and healthy political discourse.