AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) on Sunday launched a sharp attack on former minister Senthil Balaji while campaigning for the party’s candidates in Karur district. He alleged that Balaji was involved in wrongdoing across departments and said he “deserves a doctorate” for collecting money.
Addressing party workers and voters, EPS claimed Balaji had multiple cases related to irregularities and accused the DMK leadership of using him for its own benefit. He also issued a warning to Balaji’s associates, saying they would face consequences and that no one would protect them.
EPS further alleged that Balaji planned to distribute gifts and money to influence the election, but said the contest in Karur was a choice between “money power and democracy.” He urged voters to deliver what he called a decisive verdict.
Raising the issue of illegal sand mining, EPS said the matter was being monitored and that details such as the vehicles used were being recorded. He claimed that action would be taken against those involved if the AIADMK forms the government.
He also criticised party-switching and questioned why Balaji was given prominence in the DMK, while alleging that several former AIADMK members had been made ministers or allotted seats by the ruling party. EPS cited an unfulfilled promise related to housing and land made during Balaji’s earlier campaign in Aravakurichi and reiterated that the AIADMK would act on alleged violations after returning to power.
