In a scathing critique, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami accused the DMK government of obstructing welfare schemes initiated by the previous AIADMK administration. Speaking at the ‘Pongal Vizha’ celebrations in Salem, Palaniswami asserted that the DMK had squandered the past two and a half years without implementing constructive initiatives for the welfare of the populace, accusing the ruling party of engaging in looting practices.

Expressing dismay over attempts to curtail the supply of palm oil in Public Distribution System (PDS) shops, Palaniswami emphasized the importance of providing essential ration items to the underprivileged. He reminisced about the AIADMK’s measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Rs 1,000 was disbursed to all ration cardholders and Rs 2,500 as a Pongal gift.

Palaniswami went on to criticize the DMK for shutting down over 1,800 ‘Amma’ mini clinics established by the AIADMK, intended for the welfare of the economically disadvantaged. He also highlighted the discontinuation of free laptops for government school students and the cessation of the distribution of ‘Amma’ scooters to working women. Additionally, Palaniswami pointed out that Asia’s largest veterinary park, developed in Thalaivasal, Salem, under the AIADMK’s tenure, is yet to be inaugurated by the current administration.

Asserting the need for a strong response, Palaniswami urged the AIADMK to teach the DMK a “befitting lesson” by securing victories in all 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.