AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami speaking at a blood donation camp organised by the party at Ayothiyapattinam in Salem on Friday, 28 February, 2025
| Photo Credit: E. Lakshmi Narayanan

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Friday (February 28, 2025) said his party would participate in the all-party meeting convened by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on March 5 to discuss the proposed delimitation’s impact on Tamil Nadu.

The meeting comes amid fears that the delimitation exercise would reduce the number of parliamentary seats in South Indian States, which had effectively implemented population control measures over the decades.

Responding to a question from the media in Salem, Mr. Palaniswami said two representatives from the AIADMK would take part in the meeting and explain the party’s stance on the issue.

Law and order

Commenting on the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu, Mr. Palaniswami alleged the sale of hooch and drugs was rampant in the State. “The AIADMK had urged the government to prevent [the illegal sale of] drugs, but it failed to act,” he alleged.

The Leader of Opposition pointed out that every day, cases of sexual assault were being reported in the media, but the State government claimed the law and order situation was “well and good.”

“There is no safety for schoolchildren. As some teachers are involved in these acts, it affects the whole teaching community. Parents send their children to school by placing their faith in teachers. Teachers have the responsibility to ensure the safety of children, and the government must create awareness among students,” Mr. Palaniswami said.  

Responding to the ‘police action’ on Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman, Mr. Palaniswami said he was not aware of the details of the case. “The police should act as per law without any discrimination.”

Stating the AIADMK was the main Opposition party in the State, he expressed confidence that it would return to power in 2026.

The AIADMK leader inaugurated a blood donation camp organised by the party at a marriage hall in Ayothiyapattinam, where 700 AIADMK functionaries donated blood.