AIADMK cannot be destroyed by any force, says Palaniswami

Coimbatore

Speaking at the party’s 47th Foundation Day celebrations in Salem district, he said DMK president M K Stalin couldn’t tolerate the growth of his party. “The AIADMK cannot be destroyed by any force. When nothing could be done by his predecessor (M Karunanidhi), what could Stalin do to the party?”Palaniswami said, adding that the principal opposition party can never come to power anytime.

Referring to the corruption charges faced by former DMK ministers, he said, “There are cases against 11 DMK ministers. They will be punished as and when those cases come up for hearing in the special court set up to try MPs and MLAs.”

Praising party founder MGR and Jayalalithaa for their fighting spirit, the Chief Minister said that the AIADMK is a democratic party and even those born in a simple family can become a MLA or a MP.

Refuting charges that people haven’t benefited during the AIADMK rule, Palaniswami listed out various welfare measures of his government. “Keeping up our poll promise, free mixies and grinders were given to 1.84 crore ration card holders. Laptops were given to 15 lakh students,” he said.

Palaniswami said that areas affected by water shortage will be identified and efforts would be taken to provide safe drinking water to residents of those areas. “Also check dams will be built in another three years to save adequate water. People were hit by water shortage as the Veeranam combined drinking water scheme was shelved by the DMK. However, Jayalalithaarevived it and ensured residents of Chennai received uninterrupted water supply,” he said.

The Chief Minister also exuded confidence on increasing the membership count of the AIADMK, which has dipped considerably after the demise former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. “During Jayalalithaa’s tenure, the party had a membership of 1.5 crore. However, it has now dropped to 1.20 crore. About 30 lakh new voters are joining the party. The ‘Ilaignar Pasarai’ and ‘Ilam Pengal Pasarai’ has intensified the membership drive and will enrol 50 lakh cadre into the party,” Palaniswami said.

He distributed various welfare aides to several beneficiaries and hoisted the party flag in a 70-feet high pole.