Sat Dec 21 16:03:01 UTC 2024: **AIADMK Defends Ambedkar, Criticizes DMK’s Stance on BJP**

CHENNAI, December 21, 2024 – AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Saturday defended B.R. Ambedkar against any potential criticism, stating that such comments would be wrong, regardless of the speaker’s identity. He specifically addressed Union Home Minister Amit Shah, whose remarks were not mentioned in the article but were the impetus of Palaniswami’s statement. Palaniswami reiterated the AIADMK’s stance, previously clarified by party colleague D. Jayakumar.

Palaniswami also challenged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s criticism of the AIADMK’s handling of tungsten mining in Madurai, demanding an explanation of the government’s actions before local protests erupted. He further dismissed accusations of the AIADMK being lenient towards the BJP, citing their 22-day parliamentary blockade to pressure the central government into establishing a mechanism for implementing the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’s award. He contrasted this with the DMK’s alleged double standard in its dealings with the BJP, highlighting the DMK’s acceptance of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s participation in a commemorative event.

Palaniswami emphasized the AIADMK’s commitment to secularism and promised that an AIADMK victory in the 2026 Assembly elections would lead to increased privileges and concessions for Dalit Christians, currently perceived as lacking.

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