Tamil Nadu polls: If betrayal had a form, it would be Palaniswami, says Stalin

Stalin criticizes Palaniswami as a symbol of betrayal, accusing him of deception and attacking his campaign rhetoric in Tamil Nadu polls.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched a scathing attack on Opposition Leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Sunday (April 5, 2026), accusing him of building a campaign on slander and substandard rhetoric.

“If you say Palaniswami, it means lies and deception. He is hiding his own lies and telling lies repeatedly. The lies told by Palaniswami could be published as books; he is lying to that extent,” he said at a campaign rally here. “He has also made false remarks about former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi denying space for former Chief Minister Kamaraj, Janaki, M.G.R., and others...”

Assembly elections LIVE updates

He forgot that Karunanidhi, out of respect for Kamaraj, accompanied the leader’s mortal remains until the very last moment of the final rites, Mr. Stalin recalled. Mr. Palaniswami who became Chief Minister “suddenly” was thrown out by the people in the last election itself, he remarked.

“Everyone in the state is aware that despite the Union government collecting our taxes to benefit northern states and creating an artificial financial crisis for us, we have overcome these hurdles. We have successfully implemented all our promises, including the pension scheme,” he observed.

“Rather than holding the BJP-led Union government accountable, Palaniswami has chosen to target me. This is hardly surprising, considering he betrayed Jayalalithaa’s legacy by aligning with the very party she vehemently opposed,” the Chief Minister stated. “If betrayal has a form, it would be Mr. Palaniswami. How will the people listen to him,” he asked.