Stalin twisting my remarks on HR and CE-run schools and colleges, says Edappadi Palaniswami-OxBig News Network

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Thursday alleged that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was misrepresenting his views on the role of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department in managing educational institutions with temple funds.

Addressing a gathering of party workers following a roadshow at Villupuram, Mr. Palaniswami said: “The HR and CE Department cannot offer all the facilities by running educational institutions on its own. Only if such institutions are opened as government arts and science colleges, full-fledged amenities can be ensured. The Chief Minister has twisted my remarks to spread misleading propaganda, which is highly condemnable. Does the State government lack the funds to run these colleges?”

He said that during the AIADMK’s tenure in power (different periods), it established 67 government arts and science colleges, 21 polytechnic colleges, seven law colleges, four engineering colleges, five agricultural colleges, and 17 medical colleges. He recalled that during his tenure as Chief Minister, a 7.5% internal reservation for government school students in medical education was introduced and the State had recorded the highest Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education at 54%.

Mr. Palaniswami criticised the DMK government over vacancies in colleges. He said, “A total 96 out of 180 government arts and science colleges in the State are functioning without principals.”

He also alleged that a university established by the AIADMK government in Villupuram in the name of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was abolished by the DMK government.

Mr. Palaniswami alleged that Villupuram district was severely affected by Cyclone Fengal due to the DMK government’s inadequate disaster preparedness. “The Sathanur dam was opened at midnight without prior warning. The flooding in South Pennar led to extensive waterlogging across Villupuram, leaving residents in distress,” he added.