Chennai, Sep 16 (NationPress) General Secretary of Amma Makkal Munneetra Kazhagam (AMMK), T.T.V. Dhinakaran, launched a fierce critique against AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), on Tuesday. He challenged Palaniswami's authority to discuss gratitude, asserting that his political survival was solely due to the backing of party MLAs, rather than the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

During his address to reporters in Thanjavur, Dhinakaran remarked that Palaniswami's frequent mentions of gratitude were akin to “the devil quoting scriptures.”

He accused Palaniswami of underestimating the intellect of the Tamil Nadu populace and rival political factions.

“Palaniswami lacks the right to speak of gratitude. His tenure was preserved by 122 MLAs, not the BJP,” Dhinakaran asserted.

He emphasized that the petition from 18 AIADMK MLAs was not intended to dismantle the previous AIADMK-led coalition but was focused on ousting Palaniswami from his Chief Ministerial role, claiming his administration strayed from the legacy of the late Chief Minister, J. Jayalalithaa.

Reflecting on the chaotic events of 2017, Dhinakaran noted, “During the confidence vote, numerous MLAs were close to abandoning the AIADMK. It was not the BJP that intervened; rather, it was the solidarity among MLAs that sustained the government. Yet, Palaniswami traveled to Delhi, alleging his removal was orchestrated from there.”

He accused Palaniswami of disqualifying 18 MLAs merely to safeguard his Chief Minister position, arguing this demonstrated a lack of genuine gratitude.

Dhinakaran referenced a recent comment by DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, stating, “EPS is the DMK’s greatest asset,” asserting that as long as Palaniswami represents the AIADMK, the party has no chance of regaining power.

Not sparing the BJP from criticism, Dhinakaran stated that the saffron party's trajectory was independent, and future governments would emerge solely through broad-based coalitions.

When questioned about the ousting of veteran AIADMK leader K.A. Sengottaiyan, he clarified that Jayalalithaa had previously sidelined him for personal reasons, dismissing any political insinuations.

Dhinakaran mocked Palaniswami’s discussions of creating a “grand alliance,” questioning whether he anticipated political entities arriving from Sri Lanka.

“It is common knowledge who Palaniswami visits,” he remarked.

With confidence in the upcoming state elections scheduled for next year, Dhinakaran proclaimed that 2026 would be a pivotal year, stating, “If Palaniswami does not amend his ways, he may find himself on the streets in 2026. And when that moment arrives, we will be there to assist him.”