The ruling DMK government is facing intense criticism from within its alliance, with the latest remarks coming from Tamilaga Vazhvumurai Katchi (TVK) President and Panruti MLA, T. Velmurugan. He sharply criticized his alliance partner, the DMK, accusing them of treating alliance party leaders with disrespect, relegating them to mere “protocol” after elections while only using them for votes beforehand. He expressed concern, stating, “People will respond to this during the elections.”
Velmurugan addressed reporters at a private hotel in Cuddalore on 14 December 2024, highlighting the recurring issues in his constituency. He pointed out that whenever a disaster strikes Tamil Nadu, Cuddalore is often the most affected area. “My constituency has been severely impacted by the opening of the Sathanur dam, but the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has announced only ₹2,000 for family cardholders. However, even that has not been provided to the entire district,” he said.
He further mentioned, “Since 2001, I’ve been able to offer comfort to the people during disasters, but only the government can take meaningful action. I requested Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi to visit the affected areas, but he did not come. How many people can I personally help with my own resources as an MLA? The government provides ₹2,000 as compensation and asks people to beg for help, yet if someone dies from alcohol-related causes, the government offers ₹10 lakh.”
Velmurugan criticized the DMK mnisters, stating, “Before the elections, the DMK high command keeps alliance leaders properly informed. However, the same district heads once become ministers, they (ministers) won’t communicate. Instead, their Dabedar or household workers call us and say, ‘The minister asked me to inform you about the meeting.’ So, when seeking votes, we are alliance leaders, but once you become a minister, surrounded by siren cars, authorities, collectors, and SPs coming with striking force protection, your household workers and assistants will reach out to us? this is because you are a minister, if you speak directly will it harm your prestige? Which minister visiting this nine-constituency district, from opposition, ruling, or alliance parties, has contacted the MLAs directly to say, ‘we are coming for an inspection, review meeting, or to open a scheme on behalf of my department? Which minister has said that?’ After gaining this position, where did this addiction to power come from? After one year, where will you come? to meet the people. You seem to have completely forgotten that.”
He also blamed the authorities in his constituency for not contacting him, despite being a senior MLA and an alliance partner leader. He accused the officials of having the potential but failing to fulfill their duties during the recent floods in Cuddalore, declaring it a clear administrative failure.
Velmurugan slammed the DMK and questioned where the crores of public money were being spent, pointing out the lack of desilting and other important work. He expressed strong displeasure, accusing the party of prioritizing ministers and leaving him behind, either by not informing him directly or giving preference to the very minister he helped to win. He also criticized the hypocrisy of the DMK, saying that alliance partners are given seats next to the Chief Minister during elections, but afterward, they are pushed aside with excuses about “protocol.” “I have self-respect, so I’m not attending those events,” he said, sparking controversy.
” ஓட்டு கேட்கும் போது மட்டும் நாங்க கூட்டணி கட்சி தலைவருங்க.. ஆனா அமைச்சராகிட்டா அவங்க பேச மாட்டாங்க.. ” – மனமுடைந்து பேசிய வேல்முருகன்#Cuddalore | #TVK | #Velmurugan | #TNMinisters | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/eqZuToEr8I
— Polimer News (@polimernews) December 16, 2024
This has sparked controversy, as other alliance partners, such as VCK, CPI(M), and Tamil Nadu Congress, have previously criticized the DMK. VCK leader Thirumavalavan, in particular, has been openly waging a continuous battle against the DMK for some time.
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