Why Did Palaniswami Criticize CM Stalin Over the ‘Mask’ Controversy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strong public sentiment against DMK
- Palaniswami's meeting with Amit Shah was transparent
- Accusations of hypocrisy against CM Stalin
- Calls for Bharat Ratna for Muthuramalinga Thevar
- Political tensions escalate in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, Sep 18 (NationPress) AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) responded sharply to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday, criticizing his so-called “childish” comments regarding his recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi.
Speaking to the media, EPS accused his political rivals of making baseless allegations and sensationalized claims to tarnish his image.
He highlighted that he had campaigned in 153 constituencies and sensed a significant public discontent with the DMK administration.
“The protests made it clear that the citizens desire change. The next Assembly election will see AIADMK reclaiming power,” he stated confidently.
Regarding the controversy over his visit to Delhi, EPS explained: “I traveled alongside senior party leaders and state MPs. I met the Vice President at his residence in the morning and later had a meeting with Amit Shah in a government vehicle at night. As I exited, I casually wiped my face. This moment was misinterpreted and sensationalized into a political controversy. It’s both shameful and distressing.”
Dismissing accusations of trying to conceal his identity, EPS insisted, “There is no reason for me to hide my face during a meeting with Amit Shah. The interaction was completely transparent. It’s only T.T.V. Dhinakaran who once entered AIADMK while masked.”
He also noted that the Union Home Minister acknowledged his political progress and reassured him that the BJP would stay out of AIADMK’s internal affairs.
EPS further criticized Stalin for his inconsistency, stating, “When he was in opposition, he protested against Prime Minister Modi with black flags. Now he waves white flags. The CM who accused Senthil Balaji of corruption has now appointed him as a minister. Previously, he claimed Balaji and his brother looted Karur, but now pretends to be innocent,” he added.
He also mocked the Chief Minister’s position on NEET, claiming that Stalin misled the public with false promises.
“He assumed power through deceit regarding NEET. Even Udhayanidhi’s so-called ‘secret’ about NEET has disappeared,” EPS remarked.
Emphasizing his appeals to the Centre, EPS stated he urged Amit Shah to award the Bharat Ratna to freedom fighter Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar. “AIADMK is a party that prioritizes the people, not one that squanders thousands of crores. Where does the Chief Minister go when he travels abroad? The public deserves answers,” he concluded.