Will restore original quality standards of Amma Canteens, says Palaniswami

Palaniswami promises to restore Amma Canteens' quality, accusing DMK of food compromises and mismanagement in Tamil Nadu.

The original quality standards of Amma Canteens will be restored after the AIADMK returns to power, said party general secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Thursday during his campaign for the second consecutive day in Chennai.

Accusing the ruling DMK of shutting down Amma Canteens in phases, compromising on food quality and reducing staff strength, Mr. Palaniswami, campaigning in the Thousand Lights and Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituencies, promised a return to people-centric governance and announced that the canteens would be brought under his direct supervision. “These canteens were opened for the underprivileged, and we will restore them to serve nutritious food with dignity,” he said.

Campaigning at Chepauk-Triplicane in support of the constituency’s AIADMK candidate Aadhi Rajaram, he said the senior leader had previously contested against Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Kolathur and was now confronting the Chief Minister’s son and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin here.

Recounting the AIADMK’s governance during challenging times, he highlighted its performance during the drought and the COVID-19 pandemic. “Even when revenue had collapsed, we ensured stable prices of essential goods, provided free essentials, and supported every family,” he said, questioning what the DMK has done for the people.

Mr. Palaniswami accused the DMK government turning Tamil Nadu into the “No.1 State” in financial mismanagement and corruption. It has pushed Tamil Nadu deeper into debt over the past five years, with the State’s borrowings crossing ₹5 lakh crore during its rule. The burden will fall on the people of Tamil Nadu, he pointed out.

Slamming Udhayanidhi Stalin over broken poll promises, he asked the crowd “Has the MLA fulfilled all his poll promises? Have the public toilets been renovated?” and the crowd responded with a resolute “No”. Calling out the DMK’s complete failure in fulfilling poll promises, he said they had failed to scrap NEET examination and cancel education loans for students.