Communist leaders slam AIADMK's E Palaniswami for derogatory remarks, say "people will give proper answer in 2026 polls"

Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 20 (ANI): Tensions flared in Tamil Nadu's political landscape as senior Communist leaders lashed out at AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami over his recent comments against the Communist parties.
The sharp criticism follows Palaniswami's remarks during a public meeting at Nannilam on Friday as part of his state-wide tour, alleging that the Communist Party has "taken money from the DMK", and is irrelevant in today's politics.
Responding strongly, CPI leader CR Senthilvel condemned EPS's statements and said, "Edappadi Palaniswami, who came to power by crawling on the ground, is speaking in a derogatory manner about the Communist parties, saying that the Communist Party is worn out, they have taken money from the DMK, and all this. How much the struggle of the Communist Party has contributed to the freedom struggle."
"Today, he is roaming around Tamil Nadu politics like a comedian. People will give him a proper answer in 2026. If Edappadi Palaniswami continues to make such fourth-rate criticisms about the Communist parties, he will face huge consequences from the Communists," he added.
Joining the counterattack, CPI(M) leader G Siva accused Palaniswami of misrepresenting the Communist presence in the state.
"AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami is touring all over Tamil Nadu and campaigning. He is campaigning that communists are present at these meetings," he said.
"The BJP did not give the education funds to the state. They did not pay the GST dues. They did not give funds even when the floods came. We, the communists, strongly oppose the AIADMK-BJP alliance. The people of Tamil Nadu will never accept their alliance. They will definitely face defeat in the 2026 elections," he added further.
Apart from this, DMK Spokesperson TKS Elangovan spoke to ANI in Chennai over the issue and said, "They are with BJP, and who will join BJP. All these parties in our alliance are against the BJP. How will they go to the AIADMK alliance when the BJP is there...? I think the speech is also written by the BJP people and given to Edappadi."
Tamil Nadu is scheduled for assembly polls in 2026. (ANI)