Addressing a vibrant gathering at the DMK’s ‘Mupperum Vizha’ event in Karur on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin launched a sharp attack on AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Stalin vehemently accused Palaniswami of having “pledged his party with the BJP” primarily to shield himself from potential investigations by Central agencies.
During his address, Chief Minister Stalin contended that Palaniswami’s past tenure saw no significant contributions to the state’s welfare. He further criticized Palaniswami for lacking the backbone to stand up against the Central government to protect Tamil Nadu’s vital interests, instead likening his actions to handing over an ‘Adimai Sasanam’ (a charter of slavery) to the Centre. Stalin remarked that Palaniswami, under the misguided belief of continued BJP support for the AIADMK, was now resorting to baseless accusations against the DMK administration.
Stalin also highlighted that despite occupying the respectable position of Leader of the Opposition, Palaniswami consistently resorted to disparaging remarks against him. However, Stalin stated that he chose not to engage in such rhetoric, preferring to let the public judge. He added pointedly, “Mr. Palaniswami leads a significant Dravidian party, yet he appears to possess a shallow understanding of ‘Dravidam’ ideals.”
According to Stalin, Palaniswami had unequivocally surrendered to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Stalin recalled Palaniswami’s recent admission that the BJP had “saved” the AIADMK government following the passing of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. Paradoxically, Stalin noted, the BJP was simultaneously spreading misinformation about the DMK and undermining the AIADMK itself.
The Chief Minister further alleged that the BJP-led Central government was actively working against Tamil Nadu’s interests, aiming to impede its progress. He asserted that while the Centre might try to create difficulties for the DMK, it would never succeed in dismantling the party.
Stalin proudly stated that Tamil Nadu was the pioneering state to elect a regional party (the DMK in 1967) to power. He emphasized that despite numerous attempts by various parties to undermine the DMK, those who promised change have faded away, while the DMK remains “rock solid,” enjoying profound public trust.
He acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three consecutive electoral victories for the BJP nationally but highlighted Modi’s inability to make a similar impact in Tamil Nadu. This, Stalin explained, was due to the deep-seated ideals of Dravidar Kazhagam founder Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and former Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai and Karunanidhi within the state.
Stalin proudly pointed to the DMK’s “tremendous victories” in all elections since 2019. He criticized the BJP for its rigid stance on not exempting Tamil Nadu from the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET), accusing the national party of pursuing anti-Tamil Nadu policies and attempting to exert control over the state. He firmly declared that the DMK would never permit the BJP to control Tamil Nadu.
Emphasizing the ongoing struggle, Stalin stated the continued necessity to combat the Centre’s “oppressive policies” and to vigorously protect the state’s interests. To further his vision for the people, the DMK has launched the “Oraniyil Tamil Nadu” campaign, which has already garnered participation from over one crore families. He expressed confidence that this momentum would lead to a historic victory in the 2026 elections, ensuring the DMK’s return to power.
During the event, Chief Minister Stalin also had the honor of presenting several awards. DMK MP Kanimozhi was bestowed with the prestigious Periyar Award, while former Minister Pongalur N. Palaniswami received the M.K. Stalin Award. Additionally, veteran journalist A.S. Panneerselvam was honored with the Murasoli Selvam Award.
Among the notable attendees were DMK youth wing leader and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, DMK treasurer T.R. Baalu, and several other prominent party members.
A Pledge for Social Justice
Earlier on the same day, marking the birth anniversary of Periyar, the Chief Minister, his Cabinet colleagues, elected representatives, and government officials collectively reaffirmed their commitment by taking a social justice pledge.
In a heartfelt social media tribute to Periyar, Chief Minister Stalin lauded him as “a formidable fire that extinguishes caste hatred” and “a guiding light for rationalism and the empowerment of the Tamil people.” He concluded by declaring, “Periyar shall endure forever, everywhere.”