Tamil Nadu Minister Says AIADMK Dropped to Third Place Due to Own Inaction

Tamil Nadu Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan stated that the AIADMK fell to the third position because of its own inaction, hitting back at opposition criticism regarding state law and order. Speaking in Gobichettipalayam on Friday, the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister responded to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who had accused the TVK-led government of poor governance and deteriorating law and order.

Political Exchange

Mr. Sengottaiyan pointed to past election results to support his claim, noting that the AIADMK won the Dharapuram Assembly constituency by 81,000 votes in a general election but later lost the bypoll by 42,000 votes. He said the public chose Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to lead the State and that critics should respect that verdict. Furthermore, the Minister clarified his previous remarks about opposition members switching parties, stating he only meant general members might join TVK rather than sitting MLAs.

Context

Political leaders in Tamil Nadu frequently exchange sharp criticism over law and order and past electoral performance. Such remarks highlight the ongoing rivalry between established parties and newer political formations in the state.