On Sunday, October 26, 2025, Leader of Opposition and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami launched a scathing attack on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The criticism arose after CM Stalin’s recent social media post, where he lauded the team behind the Tamil film ‘Bison Kaalamaadan’.
Palaniswami expressed dismay, stating that while the Chief Minister’s hands should be supporting the struggling paddy farmers, they are instead busy appreciating cinema. He reinforced his point by sharing images of his recent visit to the Cauvery delta region, where he directly engaged with farmers and experienced their profound suffering. He contrasted this with the Chief Minister’s apparent focus on the film industry.
While acknowledging that there’s nothing inherently wrong with enjoying movies and commending talented filmmakers, Palaniswami questioned the Chief Minister’s priorities. He suggested that Stalin seemed to have forgotten his primary responsibilities, acting more like a ‘full-time cinema commentator’ than a leader dedicated to governance. Palaniswami specifically challenged the CM, asking if he had taken concrete steps to prevent recurring custodial deaths, drawing a parallel to the ‘Jai Bhim’ film, which had deeply moved the Chief Minister in the past.
Palananiswami continued his critique by highlighting how CM Stalin reportedly found time to watch multiple films, from ‘Jai Bhim’ to ‘Coolie’ and ‘Bison’, and offer his comments. He provocatively asked if the Chief Minister had similarly prioritized attending to the plight of southern Tamil Nadu when it was battered by torrential rains or when conservancy workers were protesting. The opposition leader lamented that instead of empathizing with farmers whose crops were ruined by rain, the Chief Minister was spending hours immersed in cinematic appreciation.
Citing the tragic loss of 31 lives during the monsoon season, the former Chief Minister questioned if Stalin had allocated any time to formulate guidelines for public safety. He asserted that the Chief Minister likely lacked the time or inclination to meet farmers, the poor, and the downtrodden to address their grievances, suggesting that the ruling ‘family dynasts’ had failed to grasp the true suffering of the populace. Palaniswami concluded by stating that the day the power of democracy makes them realize this pain is fast approaching.
Thevar Guru Puja Announcement
Separately, the AIADMK announced that its functionaries would pay homage to the statue of late freedom fighter Muthuramalinga Thevar on Anna Salai in Nandanam, Chennai. This tribute is scheduled for October 30, marking the 118th birth anniversary and 63rd ‘guru puja’ of the revered leader. Edappadi Palaniswami himself is expected to participate in tributes at Pasumpon in Ramanathapuram district on the same day.