Chennai: Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Wednesday lashed out at the Opposition for carrying out a “campaign of lies” against the AIADMK and her government, alleging that they were indulging in such calumny as they were unable to digest the state’s progress under her rule.
Seeking to enthuse her party cadres ahead of elections, Jayalalithaa said they should not be cowed down by such Opposition campaign but stay focused on their resolve to ensure the party’s grand victory in the coming polls.
“Opposition parties which have no concern for the welfare of Tamil Nadu or people have been carrying out a campaign of lies. Their only aim is to criticise AIADMK which has the people’s support,” she said.
In her address at a mass marriage of party functionaries including that of state ministers’ children, she said the Opposition campaign of lies “is a yardstick of our growth.” “They are criticising us because they are unable to digest our growth.
This is the yardstick of our growth,” she declared to thunderous applause from the large gathering. Jayalalithaa asked her supporters not to be bogged down by Opposition criticism as the AIADMK followed the late C N Annadurai’s policy that criticism boosts the zeal to pursue positive achievements.
The party cadres should strive hard and “I kindly request you to do the adequate field work to ensure our grand victory in the polls,” she added. “If you cannot do it, who else can? I am confident you will certainly do it (ensuring victory),” she said.
Elections to the state are due in about two months even as the ruling AIADMK is facing criticism from opposition parties over a series of issues, including corruption and free flow of liquor from the state-run TASMAC outlets. DMK and others have been demanding total prohibition.
