Theni (Tamil Nadu), March 25 Former chief minister O Panneerselvam, who recently joined the DMK, criticized the AIADMK-led NDA in Tamil Nadu, stating that it is an "alliance that follows orders from Delhi."
Taking aim at smaller parties in the AIADMK-led NDA for deciding to contest in the BJP's Lotus symbol for the April 23 Assembly polls, Panneerselvam asked, "Under whose leadership does the alliance formed by Palaniswami function?"
When reporters pointed out that Palaniswami heads the AIADMK-led NDA alliance, he said, "If Palaniswami is the leader of the NDA alliance, and if other parties do not contest on their own party symbols, should they not be contesting on the AIADMK's two leaves symbol?"
"Now, half of the parties in the alliance are contesting under the Lotus symbol (of the BJP) and half are contesting on the Two leaves symbol (of the AIADMK). So, under whose leadership is the alliance," he asked.
"It is not an alliance led by Edappadi K Palaniswami. It is entirely an alliance that follows orders coming from Delhi," Panneerselvam said.
When asked whether he would contest in the Assembly polls, Panneerselvam said he joined the DMK as a party worker and would contest if instructed by its President M K Stalin.
"The party leader will release the list of candidates, and those included will be the official candidates (to contest). I will contest in the Bodinayakkanur assembly constituency if instructed by our Leader (Stalin)," he said.
Targeting Palaniswami over the AIADMK's manifesto, Panneerselvam said one should probe whether he had fulfilled the poll promises he had made in the past.
"My opinion is that Palaniswami does not have any credibility. He is not a strong and capable political leader. From the RK Nagar by-election in 2017 to the 2024 Parliamentary elections, he has embraced defeat in 10 elections," Panneerselvam said.
He said that if someone calls himself a capable leader, even if he embraces defeat in one assembly election, he must uplift the party and attain victory in the next election. "Edappadi Palaniswami does not have that. He has continuously tasted defeat in 10 elections," he said.
Palaniswami was merely enacting a "drama" by releasing the manifesto to make people believe in him. "This drama will not work," he said.
Citing an example, Panneerselvam said that in 2020, during the COVID-19 enforced lockdown, liquor shops in Tamil Nadu remained closed for 146 days. "Palaniswami had a chance to ensure that the liquor shops were closed permanently so that there is prohibition in the state. But he did not do that," he said.
In response to a query on the DMK's manifesto, he underlined that it would carry long-term visionary projects which are useful for the people.
On comments made by TVK leader Vijay that the election is between DMK and the TVK, Panneerselvam said, "First, Mr Vijay must prove himself. He must declare what his party's policies are and people must accept him."
Asked about the political party launched by expelled AIADMK leader VK Sasikala and forming an alliance with PMK founder S Ramadoss, Panneerselvam said, "no harm will befall us due to their alliance. Our votes are permanent votes."
Panneerselvam referred to his southern tour as instructed by DMK high command and remarked that he was able to witness a "huge surge" among the people because of Stalin.
"The Secular Progressive Alliance led by the DMK will certainly attain victory in over 200 constituencies in the Assembly polls," he said.
