EPS attacks Stalin, says 'cricket watching' CM has lost focus on governance
Palaniswami said the election would be a referendum on the DMK government's performance. He claimed the scale of public turnout reflected growing dissatisfaction with what he described as a "detached and directionless" administration.
AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday launched a blistering attack on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, accusing him of being disconnected from governance and out of touch with public concerns.
Addressing a large public meeting in Begampur, Dindigul, as part of his statewide campaign, Palaniswami said the election would be a referendum on the DMK government’s performance. He claimed the scale of public turnout reflected growing dissatisfaction with what he described as a “detached and directionless” administration.
Taking a direct swipe at Stalin’s conduct, Palaniswami said a leader who spends time watching cricket while travelling has clearly “lost focus on governance.”
“Tamil Nadu did not elect a spectator, it elected a servant of the people,” he said, framing the remark as a broader criticism of the Chief Minister’s priorities.
He accused Stalin of avoiding substantive issues and relying instead on what he called “false narratives” to divert attention.
“Instead of speaking about governance, he keeps peddling false narratives about Delhi and imaginary rivalries. This is a state election to remove a failed government, and he has nothing to show the people,” Palaniswami said.
The AIADMK leader also questioned Stalin’s credibility, alleging that he appeared disconnected even during campaign engagements.
“A leader who forgets his own symbol is now lecturing the people. Talk about governance, talk about your failures — if you have the courage,” he said.
Drawing a contrast in leadership styles, Palaniswami said his own political journey began from humble roots, while Stalin came from a background of privilege.
“Only those who have lived the struggles of ordinary people understand their pain. Stalin has no such understanding. He is a Chief Minister in comfort, not in service,” he said.
Palaniswami also alleged corruption at the grassroots level, citing irregularities in welfare distribution. Referring to complaints about Pongal gift hampers, he claimed that substandard and contaminated items had been supplied.
“From lizards in tamarind to rotten jaggery, this government has stooped to corruption even in welfare schemes. Is this governance or exploitation?” he asked.
He further accused sections of the DMK leadership of colluding with syndicates to exploit farmers by suppressing prices and restricting market access.
“This government loots farmers without shame. They take advantage of distress, like stealing from a burning house,” he said.
On economic issues, Palaniswami pointed to rising electricity tariffs, property taxes, and the cost of essential goods, arguing that the financial burden on ordinary citizens had increased significantly under the current administration.
He also criticised the government’s fiscal management, alleging excessive borrowing despite higher revenues.
Turning to law and order, the AIADMK leader warned that the state was facing a growing narcotics problem.
“Ganja has flooded Tamil Nadu under DMK rule, fuelling crime and destroying families. Within three months of an AIADMK government, we will eradicate this menace,” he said.
Palaniswami also targeted the DMK’s stand on key policy issues, including NEET and language politics, accusing the party of double standards. He pointed out that the Congress-DMK alliance had originally introduced NEET, while continuing to oppose it politically.
On governance, he contrasted what he described as AIADMK’s direct benefit transfer model with the DMK’s welfare approach.
“Under AIADMK, money went straight into people’s accounts. Under DMK, it goes through middlemen and party agents,” he said.
Highlighting his government’s record, Palaniswami referred to the 7.5% internal reservation for government school students in medical admissions, saying it had enabled thousands of students to pursue medical education.
“I implemented it because I understand what it means to come from a government school. That is the difference between us,” he said.
He also promised to revive schemes such as Amma Mini Clinics and water conservation programmes, including Kudimaramathu, if voted back to power.
On infrastructure and development, Palaniswami said several key projects — including metro rail expansion, highways and medical colleges — were initiated during the AIADMK regime, accusing the DMK of taking credit for completed works.
“They cut ribbons for what we built. That is their achievement,” he said.
Concluding his address, Palaniswami urged voters to support AIADMK candidates and its alliance partners, framing the election as an opportunity to change the state’s direction.
“Let us protect the people and reclaim Tamil Nadu. This is the moment to end misrule and restore good governance. The people have decided — AIADMK will win,” he said.
AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday launched a blistering attack on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, accusing him of being disconnected from governance and out of touch with public concerns.
Addressing a large public meeting in Begampur, Dindigul, as part of his statewide campaign, Palaniswami said the election would be a referendum on the DMK government’s performance. He claimed the scale of public turnout reflected growing dissatisfaction with what he described as a “detached and directionless” administration.
Taking a direct swipe at Stalin’s conduct, Palaniswami said a leader who spends time watching cricket while travelling has clearly “lost focus on governance.”
“Tamil Nadu did not elect a spectator, it elected a servant of the people,” he said, framing the remark as a broader criticism of the Chief Minister’s priorities.
He accused Stalin of avoiding substantive issues and relying instead on what he called “false narratives” to divert attention.
“Instead of speaking about governance, he keeps peddling false narratives about Delhi and imaginary rivalries. This is a state election to remove a failed government, and he has nothing to show the people,” Palaniswami said.
The AIADMK leader also questioned Stalin’s credibility, alleging that he appeared disconnected even during campaign engagements.
“A leader who forgets his own symbol is now lecturing the people. Talk about governance, talk about your failures — if you have the courage,” he said.
Drawing a contrast in leadership styles, Palaniswami said his own political journey began from humble roots, while Stalin came from a background of privilege.
“Only those who have lived the struggles of ordinary people understand their pain. Stalin has no such understanding. He is a Chief Minister in comfort, not in service,” he said.
Palaniswami also alleged corruption at the grassroots level, citing irregularities in welfare distribution. Referring to complaints about Pongal gift hampers, he claimed that substandard and contaminated items had been supplied.
“From lizards in tamarind to rotten jaggery, this government has stooped to corruption even in welfare schemes. Is this governance or exploitation?” he asked.
He further accused sections of the DMK leadership of colluding with syndicates to exploit farmers by suppressing prices and restricting market access.
“This government loots farmers without shame. They take advantage of distress, like stealing from a burning house,” he said.
On economic issues, Palaniswami pointed to rising electricity tariffs, property taxes, and the cost of essential goods, arguing that the financial burden on ordinary citizens had increased significantly under the current administration.
He also criticised the government’s fiscal management, alleging excessive borrowing despite higher revenues.
Turning to law and order, the AIADMK leader warned that the state was facing a growing narcotics problem.
“Ganja has flooded Tamil Nadu under DMK rule, fuelling crime and destroying families. Within three months of an AIADMK government, we will eradicate this menace,” he said.
Palaniswami also targeted the DMK’s stand on key policy issues, including NEET and language politics, accusing the party of double standards. He pointed out that the Congress-DMK alliance had originally introduced NEET, while continuing to oppose it politically.
On governance, he contrasted what he described as AIADMK’s direct benefit transfer model with the DMK’s welfare approach.
“Under AIADMK, money went straight into people’s accounts. Under DMK, it goes through middlemen and party agents,” he said.
Highlighting his government’s record, Palaniswami referred to the 7.5% internal reservation for government school students in medical admissions, saying it had enabled thousands of students to pursue medical education.
“I implemented it because I understand what it means to come from a government school. That is the difference between us,” he said.
He also promised to revive schemes such as Amma Mini Clinics and water conservation programmes, including Kudimaramathu, if voted back to power.
On infrastructure and development, Palaniswami said several key projects — including metro rail expansion, highways and medical colleges — were initiated during the AIADMK regime, accusing the DMK of taking credit for completed works.
“They cut ribbons for what we built. That is their achievement,” he said.
Concluding his address, Palaniswami urged voters to support AIADMK candidates and its alliance partners, framing the election as an opportunity to change the state’s direction.
“Let us protect the people and reclaim Tamil Nadu. This is the moment to end misrule and restore good governance. The people have decided — AIADMK will win,” he said.
