Erode: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday accused DMK govt of corruption and administrative failures, saying the outcome of complaints against municipal administration minister K N Nehru, on whether he would remain free or land in prison, would become clear within two weeks. He alleged that chief minister M K Stalin’s administration resorted to publicity campaigns using public funds and condemned what he described as “misuse of taxpayers’ money”.Addressing a public meeting in Anthiyur as part of the ‘Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Kappom’ campaign, Palaniswami said, “The central agency (Enforcement Directorate) has sought to register FIRs in connection with corruption in the department. We have moved court. Within two weeks, the result will be known as to whether the minister will remain here or go inside,” Palaniswami said.
Recalling remarks of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent rally in Madurai, he alleged that DMK govt failed to complete three lakh houses sanctioned under Central schemes. Referring to the disbursement of Rs 5,000 to 1.31 crore women under the Kalaignar Urimai Thogai Scheme, Palaniswami alleged that DMK govt was motivated by electoral considerations rather than concern for women’s welfare. “The money was distributed with an eye on women’s votes rather than their welfare,” he said. Reiterating that law and order deteriorated under the present regime, he cited recent incidents in Nanguneri and Sivagangai, saying gangs unleashed deadly attacks on people. He attributed the situation to the alleged free flow of drugs and ganja in the state. The AIADMK leader accused govt of shelving several projects initiated during the previous AIADMK regime. “DMK govt was wasting public funds instead of prioritising welfare schemes,” he said, criticising it for failing to control rising prices of essential commodities and for increasing taxes. He said state debt increased by around Rs 5 lakh crore in the last 5 years and it would “fall on the heads of each one of you”. Listing out his party’s poll promises, Palaniswami appealed to people to support the AIADMK-led NDA alliance in the forthcoming assembly election and ensure a decisive mandate to unseat the “anti-people” DMK govt. Earlier in the day, AIADMK functionaries flagged the issue of miscreants damaging banners and posters put up by them in and around Anthiyur, welcoming Palaniswami. Police began an investigation.
