Is EPS Launching the Next Phase of His Campaign in Sivaganga While Criticizing DMK's Loan Circular?

Chennai, July 29 (NationPress) AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Tuesday initiated the second phase of his statewide campaign titled, "Let's Save the People, Let's Rescue Tamil Nadu", with a visit to Sivaganga district.

Upon arriving at Tiruchi airport from Chennai, Palaniswami informed reporters that the 'Ezhuchi Perani' campaign has already reached 49 Assembly constituencies and is receiving enthusiastic backing from the populace.

"Today marks the beginning of my campaign in Sivaganga. From this point, I will continue to cover constituencies in Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, and Virudhunagar districts. The reception from the people has been incredibly warm everywhere," he stated.

In light of the recent controversy surrounding a Tamil Nadu government circular that instructed agricultural cooperative banks to assess farmers' CIBIL scores prior to loan approvals, Palaniswami condemned the action, asserting it would adversely affect the farming community.

"I submitted a petition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi detailing how this would harm farmers. The state government has since retracted the circular and reinstated the previous procedure. We will persist in advocating for the people, regardless of our position in power," he affirmed.

When questioned about the potential for expelled AIADMK leader V.K. Sasikala to join any party alliance involving AIADMK, Palaniswami responded, "It is not my place to speculate. Decisions regarding alliances are for the leaders of those parties to announce."

Regarding the possible formation of a third front that could include the Congress and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, he remarked, "With eight months remaining until the elections, anything is possible. Each party will make its decision on alliances based on its political strategies."

On the criticisms made by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam regarding the Centre's failure to allocate education funds to Tamil Nadu, Palaniswami noted that the issue of education being under the Concurrent List traces back to the Emergency era.

He explained, "Education was shifted to the Concurrent List in 1976. The DMK, despite being part of numerous central governments, has never taken steps to revert it to the State List. They need to accept responsibility."

Discussing the NDA alliance, Palaniswami reaffirmed AIADMK's current position.

"We are part of the NDA, and various parties are aligned with the BJP. There is still time before the elections. Once the schedule is announced, we will disclose our alliance partners."