DMK, Cong defeated women’s rights, not just Bill: EPS

Karur/Namakkal: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday accused the DMK and Congress of "defeating the rights of women" by opposing the Constitution Amendment Bill on women's reservation.Addressing an election rally in Karur, Palaniswami said the AIADMK had backed 33% reservation for women as early as 1998. "As part of the BJP-led alliance, Amma placed this demand before Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who accepted it. When the Bill was introduced, it was disrupted. Even then, the AIADMK stood firm. The DMK only pays lip service but fails to act. They did not merely defeat a Bill—they defeated the rights of women," he said. He also criticised the DMK leadership under M K Stalin, alleging that loyal party workers were sidelined while others rose due to financial influence. "There is no place in the DMK for those who genuinely work for the party," he said, adding that the political fight was between "the people of Tamil Nadu and a family that exploits them." Earlier, campaigning in Tiruchengode, Palaniswami alleged a deterioration in law and order in the state. He claimed Tamil Nadu was "flooded with drugs". He cited government data claiming 24,000 sexual offence cases, including 18,000 involving minors, and criticised Stalin for failing to protect women and children. He further accused the DMK of shielding offenders and linked the party to illicit liquor and organ trade controversies. Citing a recent medical case, he alleged negligence and malpractice, and said such incidents reflected administrative failure. Highlighting AIADMK's welfare agenda, Palaniswami promised increased free electricity for handloom and powerloom weavers, housing schemes, and farm loan waivers if voted to power.