'NEITHER NDA NOR INDIA BLOC WILL GET THE WIN THEY ARE HOPING FOR'

With just three days left before campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu ends, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami ups his attack on the BJP in an exclusive interview with The New Indian Express. Accusing the BJP of riding an imaginary horse in Tamil Nadu, he says it is AIADMK vs DMK on the electoral field.

- T MURUGANANDHAM

 

You have been on a whirlwind tour of the state for more than three weeks now. How do you assess the mood in the state?

During my campaigns, I directly feel that the people are disappointed and dissatisfied with the central and state governments. In every sector, people have their disappointments.

 The state government has not launched any development scheme even three years after assuming office. Similarly, the central government has ignored Tamil Nadu. They are only making empty promises. The people expect a government that delivers them the goods at the centre and the state. The people want a central government that respects the rights of the states.

 In our campaign, we are highlighting the interests of Tamil Nadu and the shortcomings of all the parties contesting against us. We also highlight the fact that the DMK-led alliance, which had 38 MPs, never raised its voice in Parliament for the welfare of Tamil Nadu in the last five years.

What is your assessment of the three years of the DMK government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin? The government lists several welfare measures implemented for different sections of society.

DMK’s claim that it has implemented all welfare measures is a blatant lie. They are repeatedly claiming the schemes initiated by the AIADMK government in the past as those started by the Stalin-led DMK government. He is not able to list any new schemes initiated by his government. The DMK government has stopped the schemes to provide laptops to students, Amma mini-clinics, and