Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday, campaigning near Tirupattur, claimed that even if the AIADMK were to win, the BJP would end up forming the government. Addressing a public meeting at Vairavanpatti, he said any vote cast outside the DMK-led alliance would ultimately go in the BJP’s favour.
Introducing candidates from four Assembly constituencies in Sivaganga district, Stalin said his government had delivered on demands raised for the district and that he carried a “long list” of achievements wherever he campaigned. He also attacked AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, alleging he became Chief Minister by “buying” MLAs and failed to do good even while in office.
Stalin rejected claims that Tamil Nadu’s growth was slipping, pointing to the state’s performance in economic growth, higher education enrolment, poverty reduction, women’s workforce participation, exports and industrial output in the last financial year. He alleged that BJP leaders and Union ministers spoke without acknowledging these indicators.
He also questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not visit Keezhadi during his trip to Tirupparankundram, and spoke about crimes against women and children. Stalin said Tamil Nadu had brought in laws providing for stringent punishment, including the death penalty, for sexual offences, while citing incidents and court observations from BJP-ruled states.
Ministers Periyakaruppan and Raghupathi welcomed the gathering. MPs P. Chidambaram and Karti Chidambaram, along with Maruthu Azhaguraj and Ashokan, were among those present. Stalin also campaigned later in the night near the Sivaganga palace gate while travelling towards Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district.
