Indecisive oppn yet to fix PM candidate: EPS

Speaking at an election rally at Codissia Grounds in Coimbatore on Tuesday, Palaniswami said that the Opposition parties are still searching for the Prime Minister candidate in the Lok Sabha polls. 

“In our alliance, we have announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi as our PM candidate. However, those in the Opposition are desperately searching for a suitable candidate. Still, they couldn’t find one,” he said. 

Referring to DMK leader Stalin declaring Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate, the Chief Minister said other alliance partners haven’t accepted him. 

“They stand divided as each party leader in individual states desire to become the Prime Minister. So, different party leaders are facing the Lok Sabha polls without revealing the Prime Ministerial candidate,” he said. “They tend to maintain that they would choose the Prime Minister only after elections,” the Chief Minister said, adding, “in contrast, the BJP has announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he will win a second term. Parties which have aligned with the BJP in other states too are seeking votes by confidently declaring Modi as Prime Minister. He is the only person across India to be identified and accepted by public as the Prime Ministerial candidate.” 

Exuding confidence that the AIADMK will win in all the 40 constituencies in Lok Sabha polls in the state and Puducherry and in 18 Assembly segments, Palaniswami said that BJP has listed several welfare projects in its manifesto. 

“The Rs 6,000 financial assistance for farmers, up to Rs 1 lakh interest free loans for farmers, pension scheme for small and marginal farmers have all received widespread appreciation from public,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said that the Delta farmers will benefit once the Godavari and Cauvery rivers are linked. 

Accusing the DMK of being corrupt, the Chief Minister said, the 2G scam during the DMK’s rule brought shame to Tamil Nadu. “Not just across India, Tamils living all over the world felt ashamed of the 2G scam. Those involved in such scams are now talking about corruption. The people are watching all this and will deliver a good verdict in this election,” he said. 

Further, the Chief Minister also listed out some of the achievements of the AIADMK governments in preserving water bodies. 

“Our government desilted lakes and ponds through ‘kudimaramathu’ works and built check dams to prevent wastage of water. All these water conservation measures have increased the ground level water. Our efforts will also ensure that farmers would get required water,” he said. 

The Chief Minister also said that the proposed Defence Corridor project will help in coming up of more industries and in-turn generate employment opportunities for youth. 

Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, Tamil Maanila Congress leader GK Vasan were among those others who participated in the public meet.