CHENNAI: Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin had retaliated to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami's statement on the distribution of free laptops to college students.

He further pointed out that the announcement to distribute free laptops to college students was made during the 2025-2026 budget session. "The budget statement clearly states that laptops will be provided to 20 lakh college students," he said.

"However, Palaniswami is trying to create a false image that the laptop is being suddenly given ahead of the Assembly elections next year. Also, the financial report has also been extended to the AIADMK leader, but not sure if he has ignored it as usual," added Udhayanidhi.

Udhayanidhi further went on to call Palaniswami a 'computer expert' who hopes the scheme is shut down.

"With laptops set to reach our students in a few weeks, the entire Tamil Nadu and students know very well what the opposition leader's intention is in raising such questions. He intends to spread slander against a project that will benefit college students for his own narrow political gain," he added.

He further added that Palaniswami continues to express the fascist BJP's view that TN students should not study and progress.

Speaking about credible purchases of the gadget meant for students, Udhayanidhi pointed out that laptops have not been purchased from ordinary companies, but from companies like DELL, ACER, and HP.

On January 5, the TN government is set to distribute ten lakh laptops to college students in Arts, Science, Engineering, Medical, and Agriculture streams.