Does Stalin Have a Valid Response to Palaniswami’s Claims on NITI Aayog Participation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Stalin rebuts accusations of personal interests during NITI Aayog visit.
- Palaniswami's comments reflect a lack of substantive criticism.
- Stalin outlines several issues from the previous AIADMK government.
- New infrastructure projects are launched to support senior citizens.
- Focus is needed on governance rather than political mudslinging.
Chennai, May 27 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin responded sharply on Tuesday to AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami's claims that his recent visit to New Delhi for the NITI Aayog General Council meeting was driven by personal financial motivations.
Stalin stated that Palaniswami's accusations stem from a lack of legitimate criticisms against the state government.
While speaking to reporters in Kolathur, his electoral stronghold, Stalin remarked: "Palaniswami has no real grievances against my administration, so he keeps repeating the same point. I refuse to stoop to his level by engaging with him."
Palaniswami had claimed on Monday that Stalin attended the NITI Aayog meeting on May 24, after skipping it for three years, purely to safeguard his family's financial interests.
The AIADMK leader made these comments during a rally in Chinnasalem, located in Kallakurichi district.
In response, Stalin stated: "Edappadi Palaniswami is fixated on my trip to Delhi. I have already addressed this—unlike Palaniswami, I did not go to Delhi raising a white flag or a saffron one."
The Chief Minister pointed out he could detail numerous serious missteps made by the former AIADMK government, including the Sathankulam custodial deaths, but noted that discussing those would take considerable time.
During his visit to Kolathur, Stalin laid the foundation stone for three senior citizen homes, with a total investment of Rs 22.61 crore from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. He also inaugurated the renovated General Kumaramangalam Pond and Park, developed at a cost of Rs 4.36 crore, along with the upgraded Thanikachalam Nagar Canal, completed at an estimated cost of Rs 91.36 crore.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister presented awards to Kolathur students who excelled in the Class 10 and 12 board examinations. He also distributed two-wheelers to 150 differently-abled individuals, along with sewing machines and laptops to beneficiaries at an event organized by the Anitha Achievers Academy.