Tirupathur (Tamil Nadu), February 13 Signaling a widening of his political front ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday said more political parties may join the party-led alliance once the election schedule is officially announced.
AIADMK heads the NDA in Tamil Nadu, and the constituents include the BJP and TTV Dhinakaran's AMMK.
"There is a chance for a few more parties to join our alliance. We cannot say which party will be where right now; that can only be confirmed after the election notification is released," Palaniswami told reporters while addressing a press conference here.
The former Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on the ruling DMK, accusing it of "electoral opportunism" regarding the 'Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai' (women's monthly stipend) and the free laptop scheme for students.
The Leader of Opposition alleged that the DMK government had deliberately delayed the Rs 1,000 monthly assistance for 27 months, only to implement it partially as elections approached.
"Stalin announced during the 2021 elections that Rs 1,000 would be given to all housewives. But for 27 months, it wasn't provided. Now, they have excluded many, giving it to only a portion of the population. Even for the newly added 20 lakh beneficiaries, they haven't received the amount for 55 months," he said.
Criticising the timing of the laptop distribution for college students, Palaniswami termed it an "emergency measure" born out of the fear of defeat.
"This was a scheme brought by Amma (Jayalalithaa) which they stalled for three years. Now, when college students are finishing their degrees, they are rushing to distribute them because they need youth votes. If they had given them in 2025 when colleges opened, it would have been useful. Now, many students have already bought laptops by taking loans," he added.
Raising concerns over administrative stability, the AIADMK leader questioned the delay in appointing a permanent Director General of Police (DGP) for Law and Order.
"The UPSC sent a list of three senior officers, yet the state has not appointed a permanent DGP. With such an incompetent government, where will the people find safety. How can law and order be maintained," Palaniswami asked.
He also accused the government of shielding those involved in illegal sand mining. He claimed that despite evidence presented by AIADMK functionaries, officials were acting as "bodyguards" for the looters.
"Once we come to power in 2026, legal action will be taken against every official who aided this mineral resource theft," he warned.
When asked about the impact of actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the polls, Palaniswami remained guarded.
"He hasn't faced an election yet. Only then will we know. Tamil Nadu voters are enlightened; they know which party's rule actually benefits them. AIADMK has a 31-year history of governance that transformed the state," he said.
On a possible meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to Tiruchirappalli, Palaniswami said, "There is no such plan so far."
"He is coming for his party events. If there is an opportunity, we may meet tomorrow (Saturday)," he added.
