COIMBATORE: DMK MP Kanimozhi on Monday criticised AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami for copying the DMK’s previous manifesto issued in 2021.

Speaking to the media in Hosur, Kanimozhi highlighted that women empowerment initiatives launched by Chief Minister MK Stalin were original schemes. “But AIADMK has copied the schemes implemented by the DMK. The two-wheeler subsidy scheme for women was first announced in 2018 (during the previous AIADMK regime), but wasn’t implemented. They have forgotten that it was their promise and have announced it once again now,” she said.

Claiming that DMK’s manifesto prioritises people's rights, development and genuine empowerment schemes, the DMK leader urged voters to note the distinction between the ruling party's worthy initiatives and politically repackaged promises of AIADMK.

Kanimozhi, who heads the DMK’s election manifesto preparation committee, said the party’s approach involves consulting the public to incorporate their concerns and aspirations into the manifesto. “We aim to prepare a manifesto that reflects people’s expectations, safeguards their rights and promotes Tamil Nadu’s development,” she said.

On the issue of Hosur airport, Kanimozhi said the party’s MPs will raise it during the upcoming parliamentary session, demanding permission to develop the airport. “We will strive to bring the airport to Hosur,” she said.

The central government has denied the state government permission to build an airport, citing an agreement with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) that restricts airport development within a 150 km radius of Kempegowda International Airport.

The DMK leader held a consultative meeting with various stakeholders towards preparing the manifesto.