EPS mocks Oppn leader’s rural tour, vows to back nat’l party supporting TN

Addressing a function organised to admit around 1,000 workers from other parties here, Palaniswami claimed that most of the AIADMK leaders, including party convenor O Panneerselvam have a village background. 

“They can understand the rural issues, whereas Stalin was brought up in Chennai. The opposition leader lacks clarity and cannot understand public issues pertaining to villages,” he said. “During his stint as the deputy CM and the local administration minister, Stalin failed to visit the villages. After sleeping for so many years, the opposition leader has now realised the significance of villages,” Palaniswami charged.

Stating that the schemes of former leaders MGR and Jayalalithaa were being continued, Palaniswami said his party was gaining ground and enjoyed public patronage. 

“The public are aware that the AIADMK is a people’s party, unlike the DMK. The DMK is a family owned party. After Karunanidhi, the party is now with his son Stalin and in future, Udayanidhi Stalin will head the party,” he said.

“Whereas the AIADMK is the people’s party. A cadre can aspire to become a minister or chief minister. Stalin, Kanimozhi, Dayanidhi Maran, M K Azhagiri – all enjoyed power because of Karunanidhi,” the CM said, adding that the DMK’s main principle is nepotism.

Claiming that the DMK is conspiring against the ruling party AIADMK, Palaniswami said: “The public should understand that the civic polls are being delayed due to the stay order obtained by the DMK.” 

He also said the AIADMK would support a party at the Centre which would strive to protect the interests of Tamil Nadu. “As far as we are concerned, our stand is that whoever does good for the people of Tamil Nadu should come to power at the Centre.”