AIADMK co-coordinator Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Sunday said in Salem that a situation similar to West Bengal, “where Governor prorogued the State Assembly” would occur in Tamil Nadu if the DMK continued to indulge in “malpractices” (in urban local bodies elections). [West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar had clarified the Assembly was prorogued at the express request of the State.]
Campaigning for the urban civic polls, Mr. Palaniswami alleged that the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission (TNSEC) was acting in favour of the ruling DMK and demanded that it function objectively. Claiming the TNSEC functioned in a democratic manner during the AIADMK regime, he alleged it was now a puppet in the hands of the ruling party. Former AIADMK ministers had met the Governor and petitioned in this regard. He said the poll body must conduct elections fairly, as directed by the High Court, else it would face contempt of court proceedings. Mr. Palaniswami alleged the DMK was incapable, does not have the courage to face the AIADMK in the elections, and hence, was indulging in malpractices. He claimed Tamil Nadu was suffering at the hands of an incapable administrator and the law and order situation had deteriorated.
Alleging the DMK government had not announced any new schemes for Salem Corporation, he claimed the media was supporting the DMK but for which the party would have vanished. He reiterated the charge that the DMK had failed to fulfil many of its electoral promises.
