EPS Denies Claims of AIADMK Being Anti-Minority

Quick Summary

• AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami addressed a public gathering in Vellore during his State-wide tour.
• He alleged that false propaganda was being spread among minorities claiming they would be unsafe under an AIADMK regime.
• Mr. Palaniswami stated that the AIADMK has historically protected the interests of minorities and marginalised groups during its 31 years of cumulative rule since M.G. Ramachandran’s tenure.
• Key welfare measures cited for minorities included:

– Distribution of free rice to mosques for Ramzan nombu kanji initiated under Jayalalithaa’s regime in 2011, with an allocation of 5,400 tonnes.
– Continuation and enhancement of Haj pilgrimage grants from ₹6 crore (stopped by the Centre) to ₹12 crore in 2021 under Palaniswami’s leadership and construction of permanent Haj accommodations worth ₹15 crore in Chennai during AIADMK rule.

• He highlighted economic achievements such as securing ₹2.4 lakh crore foreign direct investment (FDI) through jayalalithaa-lead initiatives in 2015 and organizing a global investors’ meet to sign agreements with multinational companies for job creation during his own tenure as Chief Minister.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Mr. Palaniswami’s remarks underscore AIADMK’s defense against criticisms targeting its minority welfare record ahead of evolving political dynamics in Tamil Nadu politics. By listing specific initiatives benefitting minority communities, he seeks to counter allegations and reinforce inclusivity under his party’s administration.

The referenced welfare actions-such as religious provisions like nombu kanji distribution and Haj infrastructure development-serve symbolic but meaningful purposes toward fostering trust amongst minority communities, particularly Muslims. Furthermore, AIADMK’s mention of economic progress emphasizes efforts directed at broader social upliftment through FDI projects aimed at job creation.

This commentary reflects a strategy by Mr. Palaniswami to consolidate support across diverse voter bases while addressing prevailing narratives around minority safety-a recurring theme amidst Tamil Nadu politics’ intersecting lines on religion-based perceptions and governance records.

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