Dharmapuri (Tamil Nadu), April 2: AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Thursday criticised the DMK government under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, alleging a severe deterioration in public safety and governance in Tamil Nadu.
Speaking at a Dharmapuri rally supporting NDA candidates, he cited government data showing 26,651 cases of sexual harassment and 18,000 POCSO cases, arguing these figures exposed the administration’s failure to protect women and children.
Palaniswami accused Stalin of “peddling lies” regarding safety and dismissed the so-called ‘Dravidian Model’ as a façade, pointing out the DMK added Rs 5 lakh crore in debt in a single term.
He also highlighted the economic burden on citizens, noting surges in power tariffs by 67%, property taxes by up to 112%, and the introduction of a “garbage tax.”
Palaniswami criticised the spread of narcotics, linking it to rising murders, robberies, and sexual violence, while contrasting these issues with achievements during AIADMK’s tenure, such as 52% higher education enrollment and 11 medical colleges established in a year.
Ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, Palaniswami announced populist measures, including Rs 2,000 monthly aid for women, three free gas cylinders per year, Rs 10,000 immediate family aid, free refrigerators, and Rs 2,000 monthly for unemployed graduates.
He urged voters to restore the AIADMK-PMK alliance to power to address law and order issues, complete key infrastructure projects like the Cauvery surplus water scheme, and restore financial stability in the state. (PTI)
