Fri Jan 10 19:40:00 UTC 2025: ## AIADMK Slams DMK Government in Tamil Nadu Assembly Debate

**Chennai, January 11, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed a heated debate on Friday as the Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami of the AIADMK, launched a scathing attack on the ruling DMK government. Palaniswami criticized the government’s handling of various issues, including rising taxes, increasing prices of essential commodities, and the alleged mishandling of the Anna University sexual assault case.

Palaniswami highlighted a significant increase in taxes and property registration charges, arguing that these measures disproportionately burden the poor. He also pointed to rising prices of essential goods like rice and cereals and the escalating cost of construction materials. While ministers from the DMK government offered counterarguments, citing factors such as central government mandates and GST, Palaniswami maintained his criticism.

The AIADMK leader further pressed the government on its response to Cyclone Fengal, demanding a quicker assessment of the damage and appropriate compensation for affected farmers. He also criticized the state of public transport buses and questioned the government’s financial management.

The debate also saw a heated exchange regarding the DMK’s invitation of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to an event commemorating the birth centenary of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Palaniswami viewed this as a contradiction given the DMK’s alliance with the Congress and its stated opposition to the BJP. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin defended the event as a government function, not a political one.

The accusations and counter-accusations led to noisy scenes in the Assembly. Both Palaniswami and Stalin accused each other of hypocrisy. Palaniswami emphasized the AIADMK’s clear break from the BJP. The debate showcased a sharp divide between the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK, highlighting key disagreements over economic policies, governance, and political alliances.

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