Summary: Edappadi K Palaniswami, AIADMK general secretary, accused the DMK government of turning Tamil Nadu into a drug-rich state, citing the state's status as the largest producer of ganja.
He criticized the DMK for alleged negligence in addressing issues such as water disputes with Karnataka and providing relief to farmers affected by natural disasters.
Palaniswami highlighted the AIADMK's efforts to protect agricultural lands and secure water resources for Tamil Nadu during their tenure.
He also criticized the DMK for obstructing initiatives aimed at benefiting farmers and accused them of corruption and incompetence.
Furthermore, Palaniswami expressed concerns about the shelving of crucial projects and the alleged involvement of the DMK in drug smuggling activities.
He warned of dire consequences if the DMK were to win the upcoming elections, suggesting that the state's welfare would be at risk under their rule.
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has pointed fingers at the DMK government, alleging its role in exacerbating Tamil Nadu's drug issue. He stated, "Tamil Nadu is now a major ganja producer, and if drugs worth Rs 2,000 crore are being smuggled abroad, it's due to the policies of the DMK government.
"Palaniswami's remarks came during a protest against the Karnataka government's Mekedatu dam project. He led the demonstration in Thanjavur, joined by former ministers R Kamaraj, Vijayabaskar, OS Manian, and others.
Palaniswami criticized the state and central governments for their inaction in preventing the dam's construction.
He emphasized the AIADMK's commitment to safeguarding Tamil Nadu's interests, citing their efforts to protect the delta district from industrial projects during their tenure.
Palaniswami highlighted the party's role in securing water rights through legal battles, including the formation of the Cauvery Management Board.
Palaniswami accused the DMK government of failing to address farmers' concerns and criticized their handling of agricultural policies. He criticized Chief Minister Stalin's administration for alleged corruption and mismanagement, citing issues with loan waivers and relief measures during natural disasters.
Speaking at the event, Edappadi Palaniswami stated, "The sun is scorching , but the organizers kindly escorted me to the stage, urging patience. Nonetheless, I arrived promptly. The AIADMK stands as the most accountable party in Tamil Nadu. Our government prioritized the protection of the delta district."
The AIADMK government took significant steps to protect the delta region by enacting legislation to safeguard it as an agricultural zone, effectively halting the extraction of methane and hydrocarbons.
This achievement, attributed to the AIADMK's efforts, builds upon Jayalalithaa's legacy of fighting for Tamil Nadu's interests, notably in the prolonged Cauvery water dispute, where her administration secured a lasting legal victory.
Despite the Supreme Court's directive for Karnataka to release a specific volume of water annually, delays in implementation ensued. The AIADMK's advocacy, marked by the Lok Sabha adjournment following the outcry of 37 MPs, led to the establishment of the Cauvery Management Board and Regulatory Committee, a significant win.
Presently, the Karnataka government's refusal to comply with the court order persists, exacerbated by the DMK government's perceived inaction. Despite challenges, the AIADMK prioritized securing essential water resources for Tamil Nadu, contrasting with the current government's perceived ineffectiveness.
The Cauvery Management Board convened on the 1st of this month, where five Tamil Nadu officials voted in favor of the Karnataka government's proposal to construct a dam at Mekedatu. This resolution sparked controversy as the AIADMK government promptly filed a contempt of court case against the Central Water Resources Director, only to abandon it later. During the AIADMK's tenure, the issue of Mekedatu was not addressed with the Cauvery Management Board.
Critics accuse Chief Minister Stalin of incompetence for failing to challenge the decision effectively. Concerns are raised about potential desertification if the dam's construction is approved by the Central Water Commission.
"I am not sitting comfortably in air conditioning like the Chief Minister of the DMK government. Whenever farmers face hardships, the AIADMK will stand by them." stated Palaniswami.
He highlighted issues such as the neglect of approximately 6,000 lakes under the Public Works Department (PWD) which are yet to be desilted. Additionally, he criticized the DMK government for obstructing plans proposed by the AIADMK to construct various barrages, leading to further hardships for farmers.
Palaniswami lamented that in the three-year tenure of the DMK government, farmers have seen no benefits, only enduring pain. He also expressed disappointment over the shelving of the Cauvery – Godavari linking project, attributing it to political vendetta.
Furthermore, he raised concerns about corruption in government procurement centers, where farmers are allegedly forced to pay bribes of Rs 50 per bag of paddy, resulting in significant losses for them.
Highlighting Tamil Nadu's status as the largest producer of ganja, Palaniswami criticized the DMK for allowing drug smuggling worth Rs 2,000 crore, leading to the state's reputation as a drug-rich region. He called upon the central government to address this issue promptly and punish those responsible.
In conclusion, Palaniswami warned that farmers would not receive any benefits under the rule of the DMK. He expressed dire consequences if the DMK were to win the upcoming elections, suggesting that even divine intervention may not be able to save Tamil Nadu from further distress.