CHENNAI: The election campaign in Tamil Nadu heated up on Monday, with chief minister M K Stalin and opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami playing on the same theme – danger. Stalin painted BJP as an “external danger”, while EPS highlighted the “internal peril” of rising crime. Stalin launched his campaign from Tiruvarur, his father M Karunanidhi’s native town, calling the election a larger political battle to safeguard the state. “If Tamil Nadu is to be protected from becoming a land of riots, the BJP–AIADMK alliance must be defeated,” he said.Stalin called EPS a “branch secretary” of BJP, accusing him of being a subordinate of the saffron party, compromising TN’s interests. He highlighted the govt’s welfare measures and DMK’s manifesto, including the Rs 8,000 coupon scheme. “I am Kalaignar’s son. I will fulfil what I say — and even what I do not say,” Stalin said. AIADMK responded with an attack on “increase in crime rate, corruption and dynastic rule”. In Sivakasi, EPS displayed a white shirt which he said was gifted by young girls. The shirt bore messages critical of DMK. “Only AIADMK can guarantee the safety of girls,” he said. BJP released a “chargesheet” against the state govt. Union minister Piyush Goyal said the state has registered an increase in crimes against women and drug trafficking. TN needs a change in leadership, he said.
