'We will hit back': AIADMK chief Palaniswami on Stalin 'speaking ill' about him; slams CM for Congress alliance

NEW DELHI: At a rally in Sivaganga ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on CM MK Stalin, accusing him of forging alliances out of “fear of defeat” and alleging a breakdown of law and order under the ruling dispensation.Palaniswami claimed that “out of fear of defeat, Stalin implored Congress and formed an alliance with the grand old party,” targeting the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its tie-up with the Congress. Hitting back at Stalin for calling him a “Sanghi,” the AIADMK chief said the chief minister should “use words appropriately in keeping with his stature.” He also warned that “Stalin deliberately speaking ill, in a defamatory manner against me and AIADMK—we will hit back.”Meanwhile, raising concerns over safety, Palaniswami cited POCSO cases in various states and alleged that “women and children have no safety in the DMK regime.” He further asserted that while “rule of law prevailed in the AIADMK regime, in the DMK regime it has become a laughing stock.”The AIADMK leader also announced financial support, assuring assistance of Rs 5 lakh each for “permitted sites” to conduct the bull-taming sport Jallikattu.Tamil Nadu Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4, the Election Commission of India said.The Model Code of Conduct has come into effect, beginning the process for the 234-member Assembly, whose term ends on May 10, 2026.The last date for filing nominations is April 6, scrutiny will take place on April 7, and candidates can withdraw by April 9.Voting will be conducted across 2.19 lakh polling stations in four states and one Union Territory, with around 25 lakh officials deployed.