“Sold out for cash”: EPS launches fierce attack against TVK as ADMK faces turncoat in Dharapuram bypoll
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami accuses TVK of betraying voters and hints at collusion with DMK during the Dharapuram bypoll campaign.
In a scathing campaign speech in Kannivadi, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) launched a blistering attack against the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the ruling DMK during the Dharapuram assembly constituency bypoll campaign. Addressing a massive rally, the AIADMK leader accused the TVK of undermining democracy and suggested a political alliance between the TVK and the DMK.
Allegations of Betrayal and Political Horse-Trading
The Dharapuram seat became vacant after P Sathyabama resigned as an MLA and defected from the AIADMK to join the ruling TVK. Now contesting on a TVK ticket, Sathyabama faces off against AIADMK candidate K Bhanumathi. EPS did not mince words regarding this transition, labeling it a betrayal of the electorate.
"That candidate sold you out," EPS remarked, questioning whether the public would punish those who act dishonorably. He claimed that the individual in question had met him just two days after winning an election, only to "sell out for cash" shortly after. He characterized this act of switching parties through horse-trading as a "murder of democracy."
Claims of Collusion Between TVK and DMK
EPS raised serious questions regarding the relationship between TVK chief Vijay and the DMK. He alleged that the TVK leader once actively campaigned for the DMK, describing him as someone who "used to ride a bicycle to canvass votes for the DMK."
The AIADMK leader, who highlighted his 52-year tenure within his party, expressed disbelief at the political landscape, stating he never imagined the AIADMK would face such challenges from the TVK. He further criticized the TVK leadership regarding a recent tragedy in Karur, noting that while 41 people lost their lives in a stampede during a TVK campaign rally, the party chief failed to pay proper homage to the deceased.
Criticism of State Governance and Public Spending
Expanding his critique to the state government, EPS targeted Chief Minister MK Stalin on several fronts:
- Financial Management: He questioned the necessity of building a new Assembly building using borrowed money, arguing that public funds should not be used for personal comfort.
- Foreign Trips: EPS mocked the Chief Minister's recent trip to London, questioning the logic of seeking investments from businessmen who are already operating within India.
- Agricultural Welfare: He contrasted the current administration with the AIADMK regime, claiming that agricultural loans were waived under his party's rule, whereas the current government has failed to raise old-age pensions or waive farm loans.
- Infrastructure and Utility: He highlighted frequent power outages and questioned the massive expenditure of 4.5 crore rupees incurred during the opening of the Mettur Dam sluice gates.
A Call for Honest Contests
Concluding his address, EPS challenged the TVK to contest elections with integrity rather than relying on legal pressure against political opponents. "If TVK has the courage, they should contest elections honestly," he said, adding that he is undeterred by legal battles, having been to jail seven times in his career.
The Dharapuram bypoll is part of a larger series of elections scheduled for October 6, which include constituencies in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Puducherry, and Assam. The counting of votes is set to take place on October 9.