AIADMK allotted Ministers’ constituencies to allies as it is colluding with DMK: Seeman

Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman on Thursday alleged that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its opposition the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) have an understanding. He claimed that the AIADMK had allotted certain constituencies of incumbent DMK Ministers to its allies, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the ruling party would campaign against the BJP to ensure its defeat.

Mr. Seeman, who campaigned for the NTK candidates in Mettur, Omalur, Salem South, Salem North, Salem West, and Veerapandi constituencies in Salem district, addressed journalists at Pallapatti. He also alleged that during the DMK’s tenure, liquor was procured from factories owned by AIADMK supporters, and vice versa during the latter’s rule. He said the NTK would also question the basis of the DMK’s alliance with the Indian National Congress.

Criticising the Congress, the NTK chief coordinator claimed that the party, which had ruled the country for several decades, had harmed Tamil interests, including on issues related to Cauvery water rights and industrial development. He also accused the Congress of imposing Hindi in the past and introducing policies such as the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test and the Goods and Services Tax.

‘Alliance unlikely now’

Responding to a question on a possible alliance with Panruti Velumurugan’s Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi, Mr. Seeman said the NTK had already announced its candidates and begun campaigning, making an alliance unlikely at this stage. He added that the party could consider alliances in the future.

On welfare measures, Mr. Seeman criticised what he described as “freebie culture,” stating that the NTK would instead prioritise free access to education, drinking water, and healthcare at international standards. He said other services would not be provided free of cost under an NTK government. He also said an NTK government would focus on generating electricity through solar and wind energy to ensure uninterrupted power supply and address issues such as hunger and unemployment.

Questioning the financial feasibility of welfare promises made by other parties, Mr. Seeman said Tamil Nadu’s debt stood at around ₹10.5 lakh crore, with significant annual interest payments.

Referring to the announcements by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, he claimed that implementing such schemes would require a substantial amount of funds, which he argued would be difficult given the State’s current financial position.