Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu), April 10 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday lashed out at AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami for targeting him personally, and said that while death is universal, his (Stalin's) achievements, including his numerous welfare initiatives, will live forever.
Reacting sharply to the AIADMK general secretary's comments, which became a cause of controversy during a recent election campaign, the chief minister said that death is natural for everyone, and that he (Stalin) could not be an exception.
"Palaniswami has been highly critical of me. I wish to say that death is common to all. We can become dust, even I, but my programmes and initiatives will remain forever. No one can destroy them," Stalin, who is the president of DMK, said while addressing a poll rally here.
At the campaign rally here, Stalin said Palaniswami's intention to target him by making personal remarks would not yield results as the people have decided to reject the AIAMDK-led combine and usher in the Dravidian model 2.O regime.
"I am prepared to work beyond my limitations, till my last breath for the progress of Tamil Nadu, and the results will be showcased to the world," the DMK president said and added that April 23 was an important date as the people will on that day put an end to Palaniswami's "arrogance."
Stalin questioned Palaniswami's silence over the Central government's alleged attempt to discourage incentives to farmers over and above the MSP for paddy procurement and said if Palaniswami was a real farmer and their custodian, as he claimed, then he wouldn't have supported the three farm laws. He accused the AIADMK general secretary of betraying the farmers.
Also, he accused the BJP of transferring the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary to "indulge in electoral malpractices for personal gain." "Tamil Nadu has seen many elections, and it is the best example for the peaceful conduct of polls. The Chief Secretary and other officials have been transferred for the first time," the Chief Minister said.
Stalin claimed that he would "destroy" the narratives being set that in DMK no one could become chief minister for a second consecutive term, by ensuring a resounding win this time and returning to power with an absolute majority.
"The DMK will get the opportunity to rule for 10 years (continuously). Then we will demonstrate how spectacular Tamil Nadu's growth could be," he said and added that he believed in his hard work and not luck.
He said the Kalaignar University, which was staunchly opposed by former Governor R N Ravi, will certainly be established at Kumbakonam in the district, once the DMK returns to power.