AIADMK Leader Palaniswami Reaffirms Support for Minorities Amid BJP Alliance

During an election campaign rally in Mettupalayam, Coimbatore district, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami asserted that his party remains committed to supporting minority communities. He addressed criticisms regarding the alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), arguing that political partnerships do not imply ideological convergence. Palaniswami countered DMK accusations by highlighting the DMK's past alliances with the BJP and current ties with the Congress and Communist parties. He dismissed DMK leader M.K. Stalin’s characterization of the election as a conflict between Tamil Nadu and the Central Government, emphasizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national role. The AIADMK leader heavily criticized the incumbent DMK government for alleged corruption, deteriorating law and order, and the proliferation of narcotics, promising to eradicate ganja within three months if elected. He also proposed direct bank transfers of ₹10,000 to family card holders as an alternative to the DMK’s coupon system. Palaniswami urged voters to support the six NDA candidates in the region, including BJP Union Minister L. Murugan, and announced plans to execute the second phase of the Athikadavu Avinashi project.