Will punish those responsible for Jaya’s death, reiterates Stalin 

Campaigning for the Aravakurichi DMK candidate V Senthil Balaji for the second day, Stalin said, the people of the state wanted a change at the Centre and need a secular government and the result would be in favour of the Secular Progressive Alliance. In the same vein, the people have been showing their support to the DMK to throw away Edappadi K Palaniswami led AIADMK government from the state, he said.

Stalin claimed that 18 MLAs, including Senthil Balaji lost their position after they submitted a petition with the Governor about the corruption by Edappadi K Palaniswami and so the bypolls have been forced by the ruling party.

Suspecting Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam in the death of Jayalalithaa, Stalin said, Panneerselvam conducted a meditation at Jaya’s memorial as a part of his ‘dharmayutham’ only when Sasikala opted for Edappadi K Palaniswami as the Chief Minister. “Panneerselvam settled down after he was offered the Deputy Chief Minister post and he has never been appeared before the Justice Arumugasamy inquiry committee so far”, he added.

Stalin said, there will be a change in rule and the DMK once taking charge, will investigate the death of Jayalalithaa and bring those who are behind it before the court and ensure punishment to them.

Comparing the way DMK and the AIADMK handled the hospitalisation of the late leaders, Stalin said that the DMK was transparent on the treatment provided to M Karunanidhi. The AIADMK leaders have uttered pure lies before the people. Pointing out to the condolence meeting organised by the party for Karunanidhi in which people from all walks participated, Stalin wondered why even a single meeting was not held of Jayalalithaa and said, “people are aware of their loyalty.”

Meets betel leaf farmers 

Earlier in the day, Stalin met the betel leaf farmers at Pugalur region in Aravakurichi segment and promised that the DMK government would establish a betel leaf research centre at Pugalur to upgrade marketing facility with value added products. He also assured them of solving water scarcity in the region.