EPS promises to take up with Centre to name Madurai airport after Muthuramalinga Thevar

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Sunday criticised the ruling DMK for ignoring Dindigul district, which is known for agriculture and handloom weaving industry. There was hardly any investment made in the district by DMK, he said.

Addressing public gatherings in Athoor, Oddanchatram and Palani Assembly segments in Dindigul district as part of his ‘Makkalai Kaappom, Thamilagathai Meetpom’ campaign, Mr. Palaniswami said when AIADMK was in power, they had implemented several welfare schemes for the benefit of the farmers and weavers.

Speaking about the contributions of the late leader U. Muthuramalinga Thevar, Mr. Palaniswami said that he would urge the Centre to posthumously confer Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country, on him and also take steps towards naming Madurai Airport after the late leader.

He said Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was promoting his family members and it was they who held the key posts. He said senior DMK leader I. Periyasamy was ignored during a function held in Dindigul.

He referred to recent attacks on Puratchi Thamizhagam Katchi leader ‘Airport’ Moorthy in Chennai and Aduthurai town panchayat chairperson Ma. Ka. Stalin of PMK in Thanjavur district and the arrest of DMK functionary and president of Naryampattu panchayat, Tirupattur district, Bharathi on the charges of stealing a gold chain from a co-passenger while travelling on a bus in Chennai.

He said law and order in the State had deteriorated under DMK government.

Panchayat funds were being diverted and utilised for various other purposes. As a result, the panchayats are suffering from lack of funds for development, he said.

He pointed out that DMK had failed the people of Tamil Nadu. Government employees, farmers, teachers and sanitary workers are protesting pressing for their demands. DMK has not even implemented 10% of its poll promise, he said.

Once AIADMK comes to power, concrete houses will be built for the poor people. Mini clinics will be relaunched and grievances of the farmers and the weavers will be redressed. AIADMK will ensure that the projects put on the back-burner will be completed, he said.