Why is EPS Criticizing the DMK Government Over the Arrest of AIADMK MLA?

Synopsis
In a bold move, <b>EPS</b> lashes out at the <b>DMK government</b> over the arrest of <b>AIADMK MLA S. Ravi</b>, claiming it's a tactic of political intimidation. With a renewed alliance with the <b>BJP</b>, the <b>AIADMK</b> is gearing up for the upcoming elections, focusing on corruption and law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- EPS criticizes the DMK government for political intimidation.
- The arrests of AIADMK functionaries have sparked outrage.
- The AIADMK-BJP alliance aims to strengthen political ties.
- Corruption and law enforcement will be pivotal campaign issues.
- Political dynamics in Tamil Nadu continue to evolve rapidly.
Chennai, May 5 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), did not hold back on Monday, launching a fierce attack on the DMK government following the detention of AIADMK MLA S. Ravi and numerous party members.
The arrests occurred during their participation in door-to-door campaigns organized by the MRF Anna Trade Union, aimed at discussing issues concerning workers' wages.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Palaniswami vehemently denounced what he termed the “anarchy” of the Stalin-led government, labeling the arrests as an act of political intimidation.
“I unequivocally condemn the chaos of the MK Stalin-model government for detaining AIADMK functionaries, who remain resolute against such political tactics,” he stated. EPS further emphasized that neither the AIADMK nor its members would succumb to these strategies, pledging to confront them with renewed vigor.
The AIADMK’s strong response comes in the context of a revitalized political alliance with the BJP, facilitated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who engaged with the AIADMK leadership in early April. Following the formalization of the alliance on April 11, Shah announced that a “coalition government” would be established if the alliance triumphed in the upcoming Assembly elections.
However, EPS later clarified that no coalition government would be established in Tamil Nadu even if the AIADMK-BJP alliance achieved victory in 2026. Since rekindling its partnership with the BJP, the AIADMK has adopted a more aggressive posture on various issues, aiming to challenge the DMK and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at every turn.
The party has declared that corruption, law and order, and crimes against Dalits and women will be pivotal topics in their campaign for the 2026 Assembly elections.
It is worth noting that in the 2021 Assembly elections, the AIADMK secured 66 seats while in power for a decade, whereas the BJP obtained four seats. Nonetheless, after their alliance collapsed in September 2023, both parties failed to win any seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This electoral disappointment led both the AIADMK and the BJP to reevaluate their strategies, ultimately resulting in the revival of their alliance.