EPS Slams Stalin Over Reservation Credit Claim

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on Tuesday criticised Chief Minister M.K. Stalin over his recent comments about the 7.5% reservation for government school students in medical college admissions.

Stalin had said that the previous AIADMK government introduced the 7.5% horizontal reservation because of pressure from the DMK. Responding to this, Palaniswami strongly denied the claim and said it was not true.

EPS said the AIADMK government brought in the reservation on its own to help students from government schools who were struggling to compete in the NEET-based medical admissions system. He said the scheme was created to give equal opportunities to poor and rural students and was one of the key welfare measures of the AIADMK government.

Calling Stalin’s statement a “false narrative,” Palaniswami accused the DMK of trying to take credit for schemes that were implemented by the previous government. He said the DMK was attempting to rewrite history for political gain.

EPS added that the AIADMK government took several steps to support education and improve opportunities for underprivileged students. He said the 7.5% quota had helped many government school students secure medical seats and fulfil their dreams of becoming doctors.

He also urged the DMK government not to mislead the public and instead focus on continuing welfare schemes that benefit students and the poor.

The exchange between the two leaders has once again highlighted the political differences between the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK, with both parties claiming credit for major public welfare initiatives.