Tiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu), March 31 Continuing his attack on Edappadi K Palaniswami, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin appealed to the people on Tuesday to "teach a lesson" to the top leader of the AIADMK for allegedly attempting to bring the BJP into the state and ensure a decisive mandate for the DMK-led alliance in the state's upcoming elections.
Addressing a campaign rally here, about 195 km from Chennai, the leader of the DMK youth wing said the April 23 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu were a contest between Chief Minister M K Stalin-led Secular Progress Alliance and Palaniswami, who wanted to "bring" the BJP into the state.
"The Tamil Nadu elections are a contest between our Chief Minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While we are working hard to develop the state and launch numerous initiatives for the welfare of citizens, Palaniswami wants to bring the BJP here. He is a loyal follower of Prime Minister Modi," Udhayanidhi said.
People should prove that Tamil Nadu is not under Delhi's control and "we should reclaim our rights," he said and reiterated that the upcoming elections were a fight between Tamil Nadu and Delhi.
"I appeal to you, as one of you, as the grandson of late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and the son of Chief Minister Stalin, and on my own behalf, to ensure a decisive mandate for the SPA candidates and ensure the formation of the DMK 2.O regime," he said.
He said Chief Minister Stalin had introduced free bus travel for women, implemented a monthly grant for them, and now announced the Rs 8,000 "Illatharasi" coupon scheme for homemakers, thus continuing the women empowerment initiatives of his late grandfather, who had introduced gas stoves to reduce the burden on women and also provided free television sets to help them stay informed about developments.