‘Administrative incompetence’ characterises TVK’s reign in the State, says Palaniswami

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Saturday criticised the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led government for its “administrative incompetence”.

Addressing a meeting in Maraimalai Nagar on the outskirts of Chennai amid the 55th formation day celebrations of his party, Mr. Palaniswami wondered what had been the achievement of the TVK-led government. Even schemes launched by it, such as the marriage assistance scheme for women, were originally implemented by the previous AIADMK regime, which had provided the financial assistance along with gold for thirumangalyam. In view of “steep hike” in the prices of construction materials, infrastructure work had come to a halt.

After coming to power, the TVK regime had stated publicly that the State power utility was facing a debt of ₹2.47 lakh crore. This being the case, how could it justify the move to procure power at costlier rates, the AIADMK leader wondered. “Rising” inflation, “growing” unemployment, “rampant availability” of drugs, “lack of security” for all sections of society, and law and order “deterioration” had marked the government’s reign. Though the ruling party claimed that it had been running a “clean government,” searches being conducted by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption at several government offices led to the recovery of cash, giving the impression that bribery had been prevalent, Mr. Palaniswami argued.

Alluding to reports of dissatisfaction within the party and some legislators and functionaries of the AIADMK being wooed by other parties, the AIADMK leader said: “Some are trying to disturb the party; immobilise the party and split the party. They cannot even touch our workers.” He added that only in his party, the workers were being respected.

On the recent setback in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram byelections, Mr. Palaniswami attributed the victory of the ruling party to the latter’s alliance with a host of parties, whereas one of the allies of the AIADMK had stayed “neutral.” Besides, he referred to the allegation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s leader P. Shanmugam regarding the distribution of money in the run-up to the by-polls.

He alleged that it was not C. Joseph Vijay who was the Chief Minister, but there were three persons who were functioning as Chief Ministers. While he did not name the three, he maintained that all the decisions concerning the administration were being taken by them.