At its general council meeting, AIADMK also raised serious concerns about the DMK government’s handling of law and order in the state, alleging an increase in drug trafficking and other crimes.
Published Dec 15, 2024 | 1:48 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 15, 2024 | 1:48 PM
Edappadi K Palaniswami during a public interaction.
The Opposition AIADMK in Tamil Nadu held its general council meeting on Sunday, 15 December, passed 16 resolutions criticising the DMK government, highlighted Tamil Nadu’s pressing issues, and reaffirmed Edappadi K Palaniswami’s leadership.
Kicking things off on a reverential note, the party celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of Janaki Ramachandran, the wife of AIADMK founder and Bharat Ratna Dr MG Ramachandran alias MGR.
AIADMK criticised the state government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin on various counts, including the handling of cyclone Fengal, and alleged mismanagement of state finances.
The AIADMK unleashed criticism against the DMK’s handling of cyclone Fengal and accused the ruling party of being “as unprepared as a student on exam day”.
AIADMK leadership claimed citizens were left without basic necessities like food, shelter, and drinking water.
It also raised serious concerns about the DMK government’s handling of law and order in the state, alleging an increase in drug trafficking and other crimes.
The party highlighted how the alleged rise in criminal activities is impacting the safety and security of Tamil Nadu’s citizens, urging the government to take swift and effective measures.
In addition, the AIADMK criticised the DMK for a series of price hikes that have strained household budgets, including electricity tariffs, property taxes, water charges, and the price of essential commodities like milk.
The resolutions emphasised the growing financial burden on Tamil Nadu’s people and called for immediate action to address these pressing issues.
The Opposition party also slammed the DMK regarding its inability to deliver several key election promises, including abolishing the NEET exam, reenacting the old pension scheme and addressing wage discrepancies for teachers, doctors, and nurses.
It emphasized that these unkept commitments have disappointed the voters who placed their trust in the ruling party.
Accusing the DMK of failing to protect Tamil Nadu’s environment and resources, the AIADMK took a strong stance against the proposed tungsten mining project near Melur in the Madurai district.
The party also called on the Union government to declare ‘Thirukkural ‘a national book, highlighting its universal significance and the need to honour Tamil culture and literature on a broader platform.
It, however, did not spare the BJP also. The party reiterated its opposition to Hindi imposition and insisted that the new laws named exclusively in Hindi be reverted to English, a move they believe respects linguistic diversity.
The AIADMK criticised the state government’s financial decisions, pointing to expenditures on events like Formula 4 car races and the construction of high-cost memorials.
It argued that such initiatives came at the expense of addressing pressing welfare and developmental needs. The resolutions also highlighted the DMK’s failure to continue key water conservation projects initiated during the AIADMK’s tenure, emphasising the importance of these efforts in securing Tamil Nadu’s water resources for the future.
The AIADMK raised concerns about the DMK government’s approach to minority and marginalised communities, urging the resumption of welfare schemes for minorities.
It further highlighted the unfulfilled promise of releasing Muslim prisoners who have been incarcerated for over 20 years. Additionally, the AIADMK criticised the government’s inaction in safeguarding the rights of Scheduled Castes, questioning its efforts toward ensuring social justice and equality.
On a national level, the AIADMK presented its demands with a sense of urgency and pointed rhetoric, emphasising the need to return education to the state list from the concurrent list.
It argued that the DMK’s failure to achieve this reversal shows its lack of political influence.
Financial allocations for Tamil Nadu and a caste-based census were also high on the AIADMK’s wishlist, with a claim that these measures were steps toward fairness and equality.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution to propel Edappadi K Palaniswami back into the Chief Minister’s chair in 2026.
It pledged to rally its cadres and supporters to ensure the AIADMK’s triumphant return to power, signalling a determined comeback strategy.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
