AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami addressing the public during ‘Makkalai Kaappom, Thamilagathai Meetpom’ campaign at Obula Padithurai in Madurai on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: ASHOK R
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Wednesday said Madurai was the fort of AIADMK. Expressing confidence that the party will win all the 10 Assembly segments in the district in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections in 2026, he said the ruling DMK had failed the people.
Addressing the public gatherings in Madurai West, Madurai Central and Madurai South as part of his ‘Makkalai Kaappom, Thamilagathai Meetpom’ campaign in the presence of AIADMK Madurai Urban District Secretary Sellur K. Raju, Mr. Palaniswami said it was the AIADMK that had announced the ₹1,300 crore Mullaperiyar drinking water project.
The uninterrupted water supply from Mullaperiyar dam would meet the drinking water needs of the people of Madurai. However, DMK put the project on the back-burner due to political animosity. After AIADMK is voted to power in 2026, it will be ensured that the project is implemented completely, Mr. Palaniswami said. It was AIADMK that got AIIMS to Madurai. “After AIADMK is voted to power in 2026, AIIMS Madurai campus will be fully functional next year”, he added.
Referring to Madurai Corporation property tax scam, Mr. Palaniswami slammed the DMK government for trying to shield Madurai Mayor. The Mayor’s husband has been arrested, but not the Mayor. Action should be taken against those involved in the scam, he said, adding AIADMK’s priority would be to take steps to set right the Corporation. He charged Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan for failing to raise his voice after the Madurai Corporation property tax scam was unearthed.
He pointed out that in a leaked audio purportedly of DMK Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, the Minister said that family members of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had amassed huge wealth. The Chief Minister has maintained a stoic silence on the issue. When a Minister is making such a charge it could be true. AIADMK on coming to power will conduct a probe into it, he said.
Mr. Palaniswami also accused DMK government that while being in alliance with the VCK, the flagpoles of VCK had been removed in many places in Madurai district. “If this is pointed out VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan would blame me for trying to break the DMK-led alliance. But I am only trying to warn the VCK that DMK is attempting to swallow the VCK”, he said.
Published – September 03, 2025 11:03 pm IST
