AIADMK's Palaniswami Attacks CM Vijay Over London Trip, Power Cuts and 'Unfulfilled' Poll Promises

AIADMK general secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay at a press conference in Madurai on September 17, questioning the purpose and outcomes of the Chief Minister's recent investment trip to the United Kingdom.

Palaniswami said Vijay had travelled to London to attract industrial investment but had not taken along key officials such as the Minister for Industries or the Industries Department Secretary, calling into question the seriousness of the visit.

He also targeted the government over what he described as a worsening power situation, saying frequent night-time power interruptions were disrupting daily life and students' studies. He pointed out that while the Electricity Minister maintained there were no power cuts in the state, the government was simultaneously planning to purchase around 2,000 megawatts of power from outside Tamil Nadu, and asked why such a purchase would be needed if there were truly no shortage.

Palaniswami further alleged that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government had not launched any major welfare scheme since taking office, saying this had left people deeply disappointed given the promises made during the 2026 Assembly election campaign.

His remarks came days after the Chief Minister's London delegation announced MoUs worth around Rs 12,300 crore, and add to a running exchange of criticism between the AIADMK and the ruling TVK over the new government's first months in office.