Tamil Nadu Assembly polls 2026: Udhayanidhi Stalin attacks Edappadi Palaniswami, calls him BJP’s ‘aggressive slave’ in Tiruvannamalai

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin launched a sharp attack on Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami during an election campaign meeting in TiruvannamalaiAddressing a large gathering Udhayanidhi Stalin criticised Palaniswami stating We have seen aggressive devotees and aggressive party workers but Edappadi Palaniswami stands as an aggressive slave of the BJPHe further alleged that the AIADMK leader has become subservient to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is attempting to bring the BJP into Tamil NaduThe campaign meeting was held near the Thiruvalluvar statue in the Tiruvannamalai Assembly constituency in support of DMK candidate and Public Works Minister EV Velu Thousands of party workers and members of alliance parties including Congress MDMK DMDK VCK CPIM and CPI participated in the eventUdhayanidhi Stalin arrived in an open vehicle and sought votes for the DMKs Rising Sun symbol During his speech he praised EV Velu highlighting his administrative capability and experience He noted that both former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and current Chief Minister MK Stalin have recognised Velus efficiencyHe also recalled that Velu had previously won the constituency with a margin of 95000 votes and urged voters to increase the margin to one lakh in the upcoming electionHighlighting development works in the constituency Udhayanidhi listed projects completed over the past five years including bus stand upgrades road expansions into fourlane highways integrated education offices Rs56 crore government model school buildings canal renovation works improved hospital infrastructure sanitation projects public grievance centers concrete roads around temples and tourism infrastructure such as an international auditoriumHe also outlined the DMK governments welfare initiatives including free bus travel for women the breakfast scheme for school students the Pudhumai Penn scheme for girls financial assistance schemes for youth employment generation free laptops for students and financial aid for women He accused opposition parties of attempting to block financial assistance schemes through legal means but said the state government ensured payments to beneficiariesLooking ahead he announced key promises under the Dravidian Model 20 including increasing womens financial assistance to Rs2000 expanding the breakfast scheme up to Class 8 raising monthly assistance for youth and women enhancing pensions providing free laptops to 35 lakh students collateralfree loans for women selfhelp groups housing for 10 lakh families and Rs8000 household appliance couponsReiterating his criticism Udhayanidhi said Palaniswami is aligning with Modi and attempting to pave the way for the BJP in the state He concluded by framing the election as a contest between Tamil Nadu and Delhi urging voters to support the DMK to safeguard the states rightsFollowing the meeting Udhayanidhi Stalin continued his campaign in neighbouring constituenciesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever