Stalin a 'dummy CM', Madurai drowning in corruption, lawlessness: Palaniswami
Stalin a 'dummy CM', watches as Madurai drowns in corruption and lawlessness: Palaniswami

AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister MK Stalin, calling him a “dummy Chief Minister” who has reduced Tamil Nadu to a state crippled by corruption, rising prices, and a collapse of law and order.
Campaigning across Andipatti, Usilampatti, Thirumangalam, and Madurai South, and concluding at Pazhangkanatham, Palaniswami said the people of Tamil Nadu are ready to reject the DMK’s governance. Addressing large crowds, he criticised Stalin’s political posturing, saying his warnings to national leaders were “nothing but empty theatrics.” “This is a Chief Minister who could not even step into Madurai in the past, now pretending to show strength. The people can see through this drama. Stalin is nothing but a dummy piece,” he said.
Referring to alleged corruption in the Madurai Corporation, Palaniswami described the situation as a “government run on loot and collapse.” He cited the resignation of zonal chairman, the arrest of the mayor’s husband, and the resignation of the mayor as evidence of what he called deep-rooted corruption. “There is no administration left in the corporation. This is not governance; this is organised loot under DMK rule,” he said, questioning whether such a regime should continue.
Palaniswami said legal action would follow if AIADMK returns to power. Referring to remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said cases would be filed against those found guilty of corruption. “We will act legally, transparently, and decisively. Unlike the DMK, we will not fabricate cases—but we will not spare the guilty either,” he said, adding that stalled FIRs linked to municipal corruption would be pursued.
He also referred to controversial audio clips involving senior DMK leaders, alleging internal misconduct and financial irregularities. “When their own voices expose the truth, what more evidence is needed? Tamil Nadu deserves answers,” he said, promising a probe irrespective of position or power.
On the economy, Palaniswami compared essential commodity prices under AIADMK and DMK regimes, accusing the government of abandoning price control measures. “From rice to oil to dal—everything has doubled. This government has no concern for the common man,” he said.
Highlighting AIADMK’s record, he cited the opening of 17 government medical colleges and other institutions. “We built infrastructure and opportunity. This government has not opened even one new medical college,” he said.
On law and order, he alleged that Tamil Nadu had become a “drug-infested state.” “Ganja is freely available near schools and colleges. Crimes against women are rising. Is this the ‘model governance’ they speak of?” he said, referring to POCSO cases and promising action against drug networks.
Addressing government employees and teachers, Palaniswami said his government had protected salaries during COVID-19, while accusing the DMK of proposing cuts. He promised a consultative approach to pension reforms.
He also outlined welfare measures for women, youth, farmers, workers, and small entrepreneurs, including support schemes and subsidies, stating that AIADMK’s governance would focus on “dignity and delivery.”
Invoking the legacy of MGR and Amma, Palaniswami said the party remains committed to people-first governance. “This election is not just about power. It is about saving Tamil Nadu from decay and restoring it to growth, safety, and prosperity,” he said.
Concluding with a direct appeal, Palaniswami urged voters to act on April 23, saying, “Reject this failed government. AIADMK is coming back—and with it, good governance.”
AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister MK Stalin, calling him a “dummy Chief Minister” who has reduced Tamil Nadu to a state crippled by corruption, rising prices, and a collapse of law and order.
Campaigning across Andipatti, Usilampatti, Thirumangalam, and Madurai South, and concluding at Pazhangkanatham, Palaniswami said the people of Tamil Nadu are ready to reject the DMK’s governance. Addressing large crowds, he criticised Stalin’s political posturing, saying his warnings to national leaders were “nothing but empty theatrics.” “This is a Chief Minister who could not even step into Madurai in the past, now pretending to show strength. The people can see through this drama. Stalin is nothing but a dummy piece,” he said.
Referring to alleged corruption in the Madurai Corporation, Palaniswami described the situation as a “government run on loot and collapse.” He cited the resignation of zonal chairman, the arrest of the mayor’s husband, and the resignation of the mayor as evidence of what he called deep-rooted corruption. “There is no administration left in the corporation. This is not governance; this is organised loot under DMK rule,” he said, questioning whether such a regime should continue.
Palaniswami said legal action would follow if AIADMK returns to power. Referring to remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said cases would be filed against those found guilty of corruption. “We will act legally, transparently, and decisively. Unlike the DMK, we will not fabricate cases—but we will not spare the guilty either,” he said, adding that stalled FIRs linked to municipal corruption would be pursued.
He also referred to controversial audio clips involving senior DMK leaders, alleging internal misconduct and financial irregularities. “When their own voices expose the truth, what more evidence is needed? Tamil Nadu deserves answers,” he said, promising a probe irrespective of position or power.
On the economy, Palaniswami compared essential commodity prices under AIADMK and DMK regimes, accusing the government of abandoning price control measures. “From rice to oil to dal—everything has doubled. This government has no concern for the common man,” he said.
Highlighting AIADMK’s record, he cited the opening of 17 government medical colleges and other institutions. “We built infrastructure and opportunity. This government has not opened even one new medical college,” he said.
On law and order, he alleged that Tamil Nadu had become a “drug-infested state.” “Ganja is freely available near schools and colleges. Crimes against women are rising. Is this the ‘model governance’ they speak of?” he said, referring to POCSO cases and promising action against drug networks.
Addressing government employees and teachers, Palaniswami said his government had protected salaries during COVID-19, while accusing the DMK of proposing cuts. He promised a consultative approach to pension reforms.
He also outlined welfare measures for women, youth, farmers, workers, and small entrepreneurs, including support schemes and subsidies, stating that AIADMK’s governance would focus on “dignity and delivery.”
Invoking the legacy of MGR and Amma, Palaniswami said the party remains committed to people-first governance. “This election is not just about power. It is about saving Tamil Nadu from decay and restoring it to growth, safety, and prosperity,” he said.
Concluding with a direct appeal, Palaniswami urged voters to act on April 23, saying, “Reject this failed government. AIADMK is coming back—and with it, good governance.”