AIADMK general secretary and Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, on 23 July 2025 launched a scathing attack on the ruling DMK government, alleging negligence over the recent kidney trafficking scandal and warning the public to be wary of hospitals across Tamil Nadu.
Addressing a public rally as part of the ‘Makkalai Kappom Thamizhagathai Meetpom’ campaign in Pattukkottai, Palaniswami referenced the kidney racket that has rocked the state, with hospitals in Perambalur and Trichy at the centre of the controversy. “Beware while going to hospitals as your body parts would go missing, and the kidney racket is yet another example,” he said, adding that the DMK-led government has failed to protect the lives and safety of citizens seeking medical care.
Referring to the alleged scam uncovered in Namakkal, Palaniswami said, “The kidney theft took place in Namakkal. The officials identified that the kidney scam took place at a private hospital in Perambalur owned by DMK MLA and in another hospital in Tiruchy.” He claimed the hospitals misused the Organ Transplantation Act, 1994, and welcomed the recent suspension of their licenses. “These hospitals have been found to be misusing the Organ Transplantation Act 1994 and the license for surgery has been cancelled for the welfare of the people,” he said.
Criticising the deteriorating state of public healthcare, Palaniswami remarked, “The people who go to the hospitals lose their organs, and the state government has been sitting idle without initiating any action. If you go with your leg, you will lose your leg. If you go alive, you will lose your life as there are no proper medical officers and medicines.”
On the welfare front, the AIADMK leader contrasted his party’s governance record with that of the DMK, promising that if elected to power in 2026, AIADMK would resume its festival package for families. “The AIADMK after forming the government in 2026, the women would receive sarees during Deepavali and Pongal package along with Rs 2,500 to each family. But the DMK did not give any package for the Pongal festival,” he claimed.
Palaniswami also targeted the DMK over its handling of the Mekedatu dam issue, accusing the government of inaction while Karnataka moves forward with the controversial project. “The Karnataka government has decided to construct a dam across Mekedatu, but the state government is not initiating any steps to prevent it,” he said. “You can take up this issue with the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi and initiate steps to speak to the Congress ruled Karnataka and drop the proposal,” he added.
Responding to remarks from VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan advising AIADMK to distance itself from the BJP, Palaniswami took aim at the VCK’s political alignment. “VCK was gradually swallowed by DMK, and the VCK chief should concentrate on that,” he said. “VCK was not permitted to organise a conference initially in Tiruchy, and Thiruma must remember the incident before advising us.”
Concluding his address, Palaniswami expressed confidence in a strong AIADMK comeback in the next state elections. “The AIADMK will form the government by securing 210 seats in the upcoming Assembly polls,” he said.
(With inputs from DTNext)
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