CHENNAI: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday raised a series of allegations against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government and Chief Minister MK Stalin.
Addressing an election campaign meeting in Sivaganga constituency, he alleged that jewellery belonging to temples in the State had remained untouched for decades but had been melted by the present government without informing the public. This, he said, raised serious questions about transparency in handling temple assets.
Responding to the Chief Minister’s remark branding him a “Sanghi”, Palaniswami termed it a baseless attack driven by fear of electoral defeat. He questioned whether former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi could be called a “Sanghi” for having allied with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The AIADMK leader also pointed to what he described as internal differences within the DMK alliance, citing Kanimozhi's recent visit to Delhi. If her visit was to resolve alliance-related issues, he asked, would that also invite similar criticism, he asked, referring to criticism over the EPS meeting with Amit Shah.
Citing the Sivaganga custodial deaths, Palaniswami alleged that the hands of the Chief Minister were “stained with blood”. He further said that the large number of cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act reflected the failure of the government in maintaining law and order.
Alleging that drug trafficking had increased under the present regime, he said an AIADMK government would eradicate drugs and ganja within three months of returning to power.
Highlighting the achievements of the previous AIADMK government in Sivaganga district, he said the stalled Cauvery combined drinking water scheme, estimated at Rs 1,752 crore, would be revived.
Accusing the DMK government of burdening the public with steep tax hikes, he said electricity tariffs had risen sharply. He reiterated the party’s poll promises, including providing Rs 10,000 as immediate relief to families, among other welfare measures.
Calling upon voters to deliver a decisive mandate, Palaniswami said that an AIADMK government would restore effective governance in the State.