Tamil Nadu Chief Minister takes dig at AIADMK's rivals over dynasty politics

Citing his own case, the chief minister said "I have reached this stage after working hard for years." 

Palaniswami, co-cordinator of the AIADMK, was addressing about 4,000 youths, including college students, who joined the party at an event where his deputy and party coordinator O Panneerselvam was also present, a party release said. 

"The only movement where posts are given for hardwork and loyalty is AIADMK.... Even a grass roots level worker can achieve great heights. In other parties, such posts are available only on the basis dynasty. Otherwise, only the affluent can occupy positions (in them)," he said without naming any party. 

The chief minister recalled that he and many others too had joined the AIADMK as college students and assured the new entrants that they will reap fruits of their hardwork for the party. 

Among those who joined the party were students from nine government and private colleges, the release said. 

Panneerselvam exhorted the students to work for the betterment of the state and the country. 

Describing the youth as the 'forces' that will determine the future of the state, he recalled the "key contribution" of students in the anti-Hindi agitation of 1960s. 

Anti-Hindi agitation was one of the key issues that propelled late C N Annadurai-led DMK to power in 1967 when the Congress was trounced. 

Panneerselvam said "they (Congress) could never come back to power" in Tamil Nadu after that. 

The joining of 4000-odd youngsters today further strengthened the party founded by late MG Ramachandran, Panneerselvam added.