AIADMK stages state-wide protest against power tariff hike

CHENNAI: The main Opposition AIADMK, led by the interim general secretary and former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, staged a state-wide demonstration in protest against the DMK government's decision to hike the electricity tariff.

AIADMK cadres, including former ministers, participated in the protest in their respective regions and demanded immediate rollback of the new power tariff.

Palaniswami, who headed the protest in Chengalpattu district, said the DMK government continues to burden the people by not only increasing the electricity charges, but also imposing heavy property taxes on their heads.

Claiming that the property tax was hiked up to 100% for domestic and about 150% for commercial establishments, the AIADMK leader claimed that even people living in the huts have to pay property tax.

He also charged the Chief Minister MK Stalin for his remarks that AIADMK have not brought any welfare scheme during its ten years of power, "During the last ten years, the 'Amma' regime has brought several welfare measures for the people, who have benefited a lot," he said and pointed out that it was only the AIADMK government has given Chengalpattu as district status.

Palaniswami also said during his tenure as the chief minister, he had faced several obstacles and difficult situations even within the party. He said several persons were also involved to weaken the party. The AIADMK general secretary also appealed to the party cadres to stay united to bring 'Amma' rule once again in the State.

Sasi-Vaithilingam meet planned one: R Kamaraj

The meeting of VK Sasikala and R Vaithilingam was not an accident but a planned one and there is no chance of taking them into the party, said former minister R Kamaraj in Thanjavur on Friday.

“However, there may not be any call to both Sasikala and OPS and we are firm in our decision,” he stressed during a protest.

Seasoned pick-pocketer nabbed at prote

Police on Friday arrested a 46-year-old man who has been involved in several pickpocket cases in the district.

The accused was identified as Sasikumar from Tindivanam.

The victim Suman, an AIADMK functionary, noticed that a strange man was attempting to pick his pocket and escape. Immediately, Suman nabbed the accused and handed him over to the police.