'Vijay running govt on reels': EPS hits out at TVK chief
AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticizes TVK chief Vijay over farmer distress and governance style ahead of Dharapuram by-poll.
In a scathing attack ahead of the upcoming Dharapuram Assembly by-poll, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has accused TVK chief Vijay of prioritizing social media publicity over actual governance. Speaking at a campaign rally, Palaniswami claimed that the current administration appears to be "running the government on reels" rather than addressing the pressing needs of the people.
Farmers and Water Crisis Take Center Stage
Addressing a massive gathering in support of AIADMK candidate K. Bhanumathi on Monday, Palaniswami highlighted the severe distress faced by the local agrarian community. He pointed out that the region's agricultural landscape is in decline due to a lack of essential resources.
Key grievances raised by Palaniswami include:
- Crop Destruction: Coconut trees and various crops across the region have withered because the state government has failed to release sufficient irrigation water.
- Drinking Water Scarcity: Local residents are struggling to access basic drinking water, a situation Palaniswami attributed to severe administrative negligence.
A Swipe at Vijay's "Publicity Stunts"
The AIADMK leader did not hold back when discussing the recent activities of TVK chief Vijay. Referencing Vijay's recent trip to London, Palaniswami suggested that the leader should move beyond media spectacles and focus on the realities of administration.
"Vijay is running the government on reels. I request him to form a real government," Palaniswami remarked, urging a shift from digital popularity to tangible governance. He further questioned the current leadership's accountability, comparing the present situation to his own tenure as Chief Minister, where he claimed to have addressed all questions raised by the Leader of the Opposition.
By-poll Context: Dharapuram and Beyond
The political friction comes at a critical moment as Tamil Nadu prepares for multiple elections. The Dharapuram seat became vacant following the resignation of P. Sathyabama, who moved from AIADMK to the ruling TVK. The upcoming contest features a direct showdown between the AIADMK's K. Bhanumathi and Sathyabama, who is now contesting on a TVK ticket.
The by-polls are scheduled for October 6 across several constituencies, including Dharapuram and Madurantakam in Tamil Nadu, three Assembly seats in West Bengal and Puducherry, and one Parliamentary constituency in Assam. The counting of votes is slated for October 9.