CHENNAI: Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday hit back at Chief Minister MK Stalin over his recent speech in Kallakurichi, challenging the previous regime on achievements, accusing the DMK government of misleading the public, failing in governance, and taking credit for projects implemented during the AIADMK regime, pasting stickers of the incumbent.

Responding to Stalin’s “open challenge,” Palaniswami said Kallakurichi district itself was formed during the AIADMK government under his leadership, questioning whether the Chief Minister was aware of this fact. He also pointed to the government medical college in Kallakurichi as evidence of the AIADMK’s contribution to regional development.

He charged that the DMK government was spending most of its time inaugurating and rebranding schemes launched earlier by the AIADMK rather than introducing new initiatives. He questioned whether the ruling party had the moral authority to criticise the previous government when law and order, women’s safety and public administration had deteriorated under its watch.

Referring to ongoing protests by teachers, nurses, government employees and persons with disabilities, Palaniswami alleged that the DMK had forced multiple sections of society onto the streets. He further criticised the State’s claims about laptop distribution to students, alleging delays, incomplete delivery and announcements driven by electoral motives.

Dismissing Stalin’s list of achievements as a “catalogue of photo shoots,” Palaniswami challenged the Chief Minister to announce how many election promises had actually been fulfilled publicly. Reiterating his long-standing demand, he invited Stalin to face him in a direct, open debate, declaring that “the open challenge is still on.”