The ongoing feud between Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) intensified, with both leaders trading sharp remarks over the naming of government schemes and their broader implications.
AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) strongly criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, urging them to “control their tongues” in response to their recent remarks about him. Speaking at a party event in Salem, where he was felicitated, EPS asserted that his political rise was due to hard work, unlike the DMK leaders, who he alleged benefited from their familial ties to the late party patriarch M. Karunanidhi. EPS accused the DMK leadership of indulging in dynastic politics, claiming, “Father praises the son, and son praises the father,” a situation he described as a “farce” that highlighted the shortcomings of the current administration.
At the event, EPS criticized the ruling DMK government for naming schemes after the late DMK leader M. Karunanidhi. He questioned the appropriateness of using public funds for projects named after political figures and accused the DMK of neglecting farmers’ welfare. Taking a dig at Udhayanidhi, EPS referred to him as “a poisonous mushroom that has popped up today following yesterday’s rain” and questioned the basis for his appointment as Deputy Chief Minister. “Did he earn this position by going to jail for participating in DMK protests? So many people have worked day and night for the DMK—was this not considered when choosing candidates for promotions?” he asked.
EPS also alleged gender bias within the DMK, pointing out that Karunanidhi’s female descendants were seemingly excluded from governance and leadership roles, which he suggested were reserved for male heirs.
Rebuffing the accusations leveled by the DMK leaders, who had earlier claimed that EPS had “crawled like a cockroach” before former AIADMK interim chief V.K. Sasikala to secure his position as Chief Minister in 2017, EPS warned Stalin and Udhayanidhi of “appropriate responses” to their continued criticisms.
“I have grown through hard work. I did not rise to power riding on Karunanidhi’s identity. My journey has been gradual, spanning 50 years, and includes holding several public offices, such as leading the Salem district cooperative milk federation, which received national recognition for its performance,” EPS stated.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Response
In response, Udhayanidhi took to social media to defend his government and counter EPS’s allegations. He pointed out that naming schemes after Karunanidhi was an expression of gratitude to the leader who contributed significantly to Tamil Nadu’s development. “From abolishing hand rickshaws to introducing computer education, Karunanidhi shaped modern Tamil Nadu. What is wrong with honoring his legacy through government projects?” he questioned.
Udhayanidhi also turned the tables on EPS, asking who named AIADMK schemes like Amma Unavagam, Amma cement, and Amma salt. He criticized EPS for failing to understand the value of gratitude and accused him of hypocrisy. “The leader of the opposition, who became Chief Minister by holding someone’s leg and washing their feet, now questions our motives. If he wants, let him erect an idol for the table he crawled on,” Udhayanidhi said.
Addressing EPS’s remarks about being a “poisonous mushroom,” Udhayanidhi retorted, “To the cockroaches and poisonous animals that crawled into office, we will always be poison. We are the crops nurtured by the principles of social justice and the Dravidian movement.”
He also criticized EPS for a lack of intellectual rigor, challenging him to disclose the books he had read and questioning the understanding of Dravidian ideology within the AIADMK. “When will you explain the meaning of ‘Dravid‘ in your party name? Your empty words and chatter will not stop our journey for the people’s welfare,” Udhayanidhi concluded.
அரசுத்திட்டங்களுக்கு முத்தமிழறிஞர் கலைஞர் அவர்களுடைய பெயரை ஏன் வைக்கிறீர்கள் என்று மாண்புமிகு எதிர்க்கட்சித்தலைவர் திரு.எடப்பாடி பழனிச்சாமி அவர்கள் கேட்டிருந்தார்.
அதற்கான பதிலை இன்று நடைபெற்ற திருமண நிகழ்ச்சி ஒன்றில் நான் கூறியிருந்தேன். அதிலும் சமாதானம் அடையாத எதிர்க்கட்சித்…
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) November 17, 2024
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