DMK medical wing secretary Ezhilan Naganathan on Monday said the ruling TVK had not announced any flagship schemes, and was only continuing the schemes implemented by the previous DMK government, such as the breakfast scheme, Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, Thayumanavar scheme, and Pudhumai Penn Thittam.
Reacting to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s speech in Tiruchi, Dr. Ezhilan said Chief Ministers had, in the past, followed the tradition of addressing journalists after meeting the Prime Minister and presenting a list of demands from Tamil Nadu.
“When a reporter asked him to address the press, Vijay Anna left in his car. However, today, he has spoken to a captive audience in Tiruchi. I am reminded of Perarignar Anna (Annadurai), who said that when you are in Opposition, you can wave the ladle because there would be nothing in it. But when you are in power, you cannot, because the ladle has ghee in it. There is confusion over whether he spoke as the Chief Minister or as the leader of the TVK. He has the responsibility and power. He has to provide a vision statement,” he said.
Referring to Mr. Vijay’s allegation that the DMK was now expressing political discontent at weddings, Dr. Ezhilan said the DMK had always used “self-respect marriages” to speak about its politics.
On the DMK’s decision to criticise the ruling TVK within weeks of the latter coming to power, Dr. Ezhilan said, “Please look at how people are out on the street. You said you will bring in monthly electricity bill and provide 200 units of free electricity. But you are continuing the bi-monthly cycle, and have introduced a condition for the free 200 units. You have also introduced a condition for farm loan waiver. Is this the change you promised?”
Dr. Ezhilan said free electricity (for farmers) was first introduced by then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in 1989.
Raising law and order issues, he said, “In the last month, caste killings and sexual violence have taken place. Law and order has deteriorated. Your questions have boomeranged towards you.”
“The [new] West Bengal and Kerala Chief Ministers have introduced the Annapurna scheme (₹3,000/woman) and free bus travel, respectively,” he said.
Published – June 02, 2026 12:11 am IST
