EPS submitted to BJP threat, DMK will face it politically: CM Stalin

CHENNAI: Launching an all-out assault against the BJP-led Union government, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday said the AIADMK led by Edappadi K Palaniswami has submitted to the threats of the BJP, but the DMK will face it politically.

Speaking at the meeting of party district secretaries at DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam, DMK president Stalin said, "The BJP is somehow trying to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu. It has tamed the AIADMK by using all sorts of threats. Palaniswami has no other option. EPS feared that his leadership within his own party would be threatened if he did not subscribe to (the idea of) the alliance with the BJP. Hence, he accepted the alliance with the BJP."

Taking a dig at the Union government for unleashing central agencies against his senior ministers and party leaders, Stalin said, "As a movement, we have encountered such tests at all times. Those who could not win (against) us politically, engage in such acts to tarnish our image. The people know the actual reason behind their threats and intimidations. Therefore, we will face BJP’s threats politically."

Seeking to convey a strong election message to his party workers for next year's Assembly polls, Stalin said the party high command will decide the deserving candidates for the 2026 assembly election. "Only efficient and winning candidates will be fielded. It is your (district secretaries) duty to ensure that they become deserving candidates to enter the state legislative assembly." The chief minister also advised the ministers to spend more time in their districts instead of remaining in Chennai.