Responding to criticism from former Union finance minister P. Chidambaram, Palaniswami said, “He criticized my statements. What has he done for Tamil Nadu despite being a Union minister for years?” He also accused DMK MPs of failing to effectively raise the state’s concerns in Parliament, recalling that “AIADMK MPs once blocked Parliament for 22 days over Cauvery water rights”.
On NEET, he reiterated that the examination was introduced during the Congress-DMK regime. “Now they oppose it. This is a double standard,” he said.
Stepping up his attack on the DMK government, Palaniswami alleged that the cost of essential commodities, electricity tariffs and taxes had risen sharply under its rule, while law and order had deteriorated. “There has been an increase in crime and drug-related issues, infrastructure and development projects have stalled, and government workers and the public have been misled,” he said.
Accusing the Prime Minister of trying to change the narrative by framing the election as “Delhi vs Tamil Nadu”, he asked, “Why take Delhi to state elections?” He added that when the NDA alliance was formed, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had clearly stated that the AIADMK would lead the alliance and that he would be projected as the prime ministerial candidate. “So why talk about any conflict with Delhi?” he asked.
Claiming that several major projects — including the Avinashi–Athikadavu scheme, drinking water initiatives, metro rail plans, airport expansion and industrial parks — were implemented during the AIADMK regime, he alleged that the DMK had stalled since then.
Palaniswami also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Coimbatore on April 18. “Listen to him. A strong India and a prosperous Tamil Nadu will be created,” he said.
He added that if the AIADMK were to return to power, Amma mini-clinics and canteens would be revived under the direct supervision of the chief minister. “Law and order will be strengthened, infrastructure will be improved and job opportunities will be created,” he said.
The AIADMK chief further alleged that the police had filed false cases against the party members under pressure. “When we come back to power, we will reopen these cases and take strict action against the officials involved,” he said.
