Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Tuesday criticised Chief Minister M.K. Stalin over his claim that the previous AIADMK government introduced the 7.5% horizontal reservation for government school students in medical admissions due to pressure from the DMK.
Responding sharply, Palaniswami said the chief minister was attempting to rewrite history and take credit for a welfare initiative launched during the AIADMK regime.
‘Policy Was Our Initiative,’ Says Palaniswami
In a statement, the AIADMK leader asserted that the reservation policy was conceptualised and executed under his leadership to fulfil the long-standing dream of government school students to secure medical seats. He emphasised that the measure was implemented through constitutional provisions and reflected the priorities of his administration.
Drawing parallels with iconic welfare schemes, Palaniswami said, “Nutritious meal scheme means Puratchi Thalaivar MGR, cradle baby scheme means Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, and the 7.5% horizontal reservation means the government headed by me.”
He further alleged that Stalin was repeatedly claiming credit for AIADMK-era programmes and described it as a tactic driven by fear of electoral defeat.
AIADMK Announces Protest Series
Amid the political exchange, the AIADMK unveiled plans for multiple protests targeting both local and state-level issues. The party will stage a demonstration in Manamadurai municipality on February 11, citing inadequate civic facilities.
A state wide agitation is scheduled for February 13 to protest the alleged non-implementation of the rural employment guarantee scheme. The opposition party said the campaigns are intended to highlight what it describes as the ruling DMK government’s failure to deliver on basic amenities and poll promises.
Election Campaign to Resume
The party also confirmed that Palaniswami will restart the ‘Makkalai Kappon, Thamilagathai Meetpom’ election campaign on February 15 from Bhavanisagar in Erode district, signalling an intensified political push ahead of upcoming electoral battles.
The latest remarks under the EPS on 7.5% quota remark row reflect escalating tensions between the AIADMK and DMK as both parties position themselves for future contests.