Chennai, Oct 12 (NationPress) The President of Congress in Tamil Nadu, K. Selvaperunthagai, sharply criticized AIADMK's General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on Sunday, accusing him of indulging in “third-rate politics” and lacking the political acumen expected from someone who once occupied the state's highest office.

Speaking to the media at Satyamurthy Bhavan in Royapettah, Selvaperunthagai claimed that EPS has been traversing the state, “crying hoarse and abusing others”, instead of focusing on genuine public issues.

“He neither reads newspapers nor comprehends politics. After taking control of a van, he roams the state speaking rudely and irresponsibly. Is this the demeanor we expect from a former Chief Minister?”

The Congress leader accused Palaniswami of having “surrendered Tamil Nadu’s rights” to the BJP-led central government, asserting he had “no moral authority” to criticize the Congress.

“His political conduct has plummeted to the lowest conceivable level,” remarked Selvaperunthagai.

He recalled the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's staunch opposition to the NEET examination, GST, and the UDAY power scheme, emphasizing that EPS has now endorsed these central policies, thereby betraying the interests of the state.

Shifting focus to the BJP, Selvaperunthagai condemned the party for “systematically undermining” the Right to Information (RTI) Act over the last decade. He noted that it was under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that India established this landmark transparency legislation two decades ago.

“Currently, the BJP is attempting to render the RTI ineffective. More than 450,000 RTI appeals are pending because BJP-led states have neglected to appoint commissioners,”

he added.

Addressing the topic of alliances, the Congress state chief reaffirmed his party’s commitment to the DMK-led coalition. “We have successfully contested five elections together as part of this victorious alliance. The Tamil Nadu Congress will persist in following the guidance of the AICC leadership,” he asserted.

He also dismissed speculation regarding rifts within the coalition, stating, “Those discussing coalition politics are sharing their personal views. The Congress remains united and focused on the issues affecting the people.”