‘Administrative incompetence’ characterises TVK’s reign in the State, says Palaniswami

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has criticized the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led (TVK) government for its "administrative incompetence" during a speech at the 55th formation day celebrations of his party in Maraimalai Nagar, near Chennai. Palaniswami questioned the achievements of the TVK government, pointing out that many of its schemes, like the marriage assistance scheme for women, were originally implemented by the previous AIADMK regime.

He highlighted the "steep hike" in construction material prices, leading to a halt in infrastructure work.

Palaniswami also pointed to rising inflation, growing unemployment, widespread drug availability, lack of security, and law and order deterioration as issues under the TVK regime. Despite the ruling party's claim of running a "clean government," searches by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption led to the recovery of cash, suggesting that bribery might have been prevalent. The AIADMK leader alleged that the party was being targeted by some within its ranks and other parties, trying to disrupt and split it.

He also mentioned reports of dissatisfaction within the party, with some legislators and functionaries reportedly being wooed by other parties. Palaniswami asserted that the workers of his party were respected and that only in his party were they given respect. Regarding recent electoral setbacks, he credited the ruling party's victory to its alliance with various parties, while noting that one of their allies had remained neutral.

Additionally, Palaniswami addressed allegations from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader P. Shanmugam about money distribution ahead of the byelections, asserting that it was not Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay who was actually in charge, but three others who were functioning as Chief Ministers, though he did not name them.