Salem: EPS after filing nomination
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) filed his nomination from the Edappadi Assembly constituency, seeking to contest for an eighth time. After the filing, he spoke to reporters in Salem and projected a strong mandate for his party.
Remarks on DMDK and Rajya Sabha seat
Responding to questions about his campaign comments, EPS reiterated that DMDK has only a “half-percent” vote bank, saying he was only referring to what had been reported in the media. On DMDK leader Premalatha’s allegation that the party was “cheated” by not being given an MP/Rajya Sabha seat, EPS said he had already clarified that a seat would be offered in 2026, but the party later changed its alliance.
On VCK symbol issue and three-language debate
On reports that VCK’s ‘paanaai’ symbol was allegedly not being drawn in some places within the DMK alliance, EPS said the question should be directed to VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, adding that he had “supported” the DMK and was now receiving this as a return. On Chief Minister M K Stalin’s challenge about whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah would speak about a three-language policy, EPS pointed to the DMK first family running CBSE schools and said such questions should be asked of them.
Promise to revive stalled schemes; campaign schedule
EPS said schemes launched during the AIADMK government would be continued and that projects halted by the DMK government for political reasons would be revived in the public interest. Citing local demands in Edappadi, he referred to the ‘100-lake’ initiative and alleged that water was not being filled into dry lakes after the change of government. He also said he would join Prime Minister Modi’s campaign event in Kanyakumari on the 15th.
