With just 18 days remaining until the Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha elections on 19 April 2024, the political atmosphere is reaching its zenith. Despite the Election Commission’s strict regulations outlined in the model code of conduct, which prohibit politicians from meddling in personal affairs and making derogatory remarks against others, certain prominent campaigners often flout these guidelines for entertainment purposes.
A particularly intense argument is ongoing between representatives of two Dravidian parties; Udhayanidhi Stalin of the DMK and Edappadi Palaniswami of the AIADMK. This heated exchange shows no signs of abating.
In a recent incident, the DMK Scion and Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development was seen delivering a crude speech, not only targeting the opposition leader Edappadi Palaniswami but also dismissing inquiries from constituents regarding their promises.
Tensions erupted during Udhayanidhi Stalin’s campaign gathering in Madurantakam, Chengalpattu district on 30 March 2024, when several women voters engaged in a heated discussion with him regarding the shutdown of TASMAC retail stores. This occurred as Udhayanidhi was discussing the accomplishments of the DMK government over the past three years. Amidst his speech, some women in the audience interrupted, expressing their discontent and insisting that the government should prioritize closing down all TASMAC outlets, which they believed negatively impacted people’s livelihoods.
Surprised by the matter at hand, the DMK minister queried, “Should the TASMAC wine shop be closed? In 2016, Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) made an election promise that if DMK came to power in Tamil Nadu, all wine shops would be closed. Did you vote for the DMK in 2016? Kalaignar made an election promise that if DMK comes to power all wine shops and TASMAC would be closed, Do you remember? Whom did you vote for? You voted for ADMK right!” Stalin junior deflected the inquiries of the woman, shifting responsibility onto the ADMK administration that governed from 2016 to 2021. With a subtle smile, he avoided making any commitments regarding TASMAC, demonstrating a clever evasion tactic.
Responding to Udhayanidhi’s assertions, female voters stated “We are calling for the closure of all TASMAC retail outlets. We expect that you will indeed close all of them.”
Later in the campaign, Udhayanidhi blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for engaging in election theatrics during his frequent visits to Tamil Nadu. He urged voters not to be misled, highlighting instances where the Prime Minister’s responses revealed insincerity, particularly regarding AIIMS hospital. Udhayanidhi emphasized the determination of DMK members to oust the Union BJP regime, labeling it as fascist.
“2016-ல் டாஸ்மாக்கை மூடுவேன்னு கலைஞர் தேர்தல் வாக்குறுதி கொடுத்தாரே… அவருக்கு ஓட்டுப்போட்டீங்களா நீங்க?” – வாக்கு சேகரிப்பின்போது அமைச்சர் உதயநிதி கேள்வி#UdhayanidhiStalin | #DMK | #TASMAC | #LokSabhaElection2024 | #ElectionWithPT pic.twitter.com/l03SKCgM1S
— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) March 30, 2024
In another instance in Ponneri, Udayanidhi Stalin was seen campaigning for Congress candidate Sashikanth Senthil, who is contesting from the Tiruvallur constituency. During his speech, Udayanidhi Stalin alleged that Edappadi Palaniswami, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and current AIADMK General Secretary, made derogatory remarks against him.
Udhayanidhi Stalin spoke, “Do you know who is lying down, (showing the pic of EPS) I mean, if he sees Modi, he will lie down, (doing namaskar) if he sees Amit Shah, he will lie down, if he sees Sasikala, he will kneel (immediately crowd cheered understanding the double meaning) to hold the leg, I cannot be held responsible for you thinking wrongly.”
#UdhayanidhiStalin is an absolute good-for-nothing nepo kid who has an IQ of a 5-year-old even though he is 46! You can neither call him young nor experienced.
He has had everything in his platter and doesn't even have competition among his siblings!
I blame Santhanam😩🤣#DMK pic.twitter.com/vPgVydm7CV
— Saikiran Kannan | 赛基兰坎南 (@saikirankannan) March 31, 2024
Udhayanidhi Stalin ridiculed Edappadi Palaniswami, stating, “While humans are bestowed with an upright spine, Edappadi Palaniswami seems to be an exception, lacking any backbone.”
It could be argued that Narendra Modi shouldn’t continue as the Prime Minister, but would Edappadi Palaniswami dare to voice such sentiments? The convergence of IPL interests and the AIADMK is evident, with various teams represented within the party. In light of this, I’ve symbolically renamed Prime Minister Modi as “29 Paisa,” signifying his perceived inability to provide full value for taxpayers’ money. With just 29 paise returned for every rupee taxed, it’s apt to discard his former title. While he remains in office for another month, his tenure as Prime Minister is swiftly approaching its end. Our candidate, Sashikanth Senthil, stands out as someone unafraid to challenge the BJP’s authority, making his mark felt even within their ranks.
Previously, Udhayanidhi Stalin was observed displaying AIIMS brick as usual DMK strategy and criticizing both the ADMK and the BJP for their failure to establish an AIIMS medical college and hospital in Madurai. In response, Edappadi Palaniswami mocked him, suggesting that he has been using the same script for years and pointed out that the construction work had already commenced. However, Udhayanidhi retaliated by presenting photos of Edappadi Palaniswami smiling alongside Prime Minister Modi, implying that he has surrendered the state’s rights to the central government. Palaniswami countered by sharing pictures of Stalin and Udhayanidhi smiling with PM Modi as his reply.
Although it appears as a contentious interaction between the two Dravidian parties, critics contend that it’s actually an effort by the DMK to reinvigorate the inactive ADMK for the elections, while marginalizing the BJP’s influence in Tamil Nadu.
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