Joblessness Soars as Industrial Activity Plummets Under DMK Government, Warns Palaniswami: A Call to Action!
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami addressed supporters at a roadshow in Coimbatore on Saturday, highlighting the decline in industrial activity under the DMK government. He claimed this downturn has led to significant job losses in one of India’s major industrial hubs, known as the ‘Manchester of South India.’
Palaniswami pointed to steep increases in power tariffs-up by 67%—and a staggering 150% hike in property taxes on commercial buildings as key factors contributing to the growing unemployment crisis. He observed that many workers in Coimbatore are now employed for only one shift, with a significant number facing the threat of job loss.
Looking ahead, Palaniswami pledged that the AIADMK would prioritize revitalizing industrial growth if they win the 2026 elections. He promised to expedite the completion of essential projects like the airport expansion, the Metro Rail initiative, and various road infrastructure developments.
Criticizing the current government led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Palaniswami stated that the DMK has made minimal contributions to Coimbatore’s development over its 52 months in power. He accused the ruling party of claiming credit for major infrastructure projects, such as overbridges, that were initiated during the AIADMK’s previous tenure.
Palaniswami countered Stalin’s allegations that the AIADMK failed to deliver during its decade-long governance from 2011 to 2021. He noted that the AIADMK established the ELCOT IT Park, generating approximately 16,000 jobs, and oversaw a ₹200 crore expansion of the Coimbatore Medical Centre. Additionally, he referenced efforts to increase the capacity of the ESI Hospital.
The former Chief Minister criticized Stalin for being indifferent to the plight of jobless workers and for allegedly focusing on consolidating power within his family. He hit out at the DMK’s performance in the Sulur constituency, asserting that farmers and weavers in the region have been neglected.
Palaniswami reaffirmed the AIADMK’s commitment to seeing through projects like the Anamalayar-Nallar initiative and the second phase of the Athikadavu-Avinashi Ground Water Recharge project. He further stated that the AIADMK aims to construct six check dams downstream of the Bhavani River from Mettupalayam as part of its efforts to bolster local agriculture.
He criticized the DMK for its failure to fulfill a majority of the 525 promises made in its 2021 election manifesto. Palaniswami highlighted specific unfulfilled commitments, such as increasing workdays under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) from 100 to 150, providing a ₹100 subsidy for cooking gas cylinders, reducing fuel prices, and waiving education loans.
As the political landscape prepares for the upcoming elections, Palaniswami’s remarks underscore the growing friction between the AIADMK and the DMK, with both parties vying for the support of voters disillusioned by economic stagnation and unfulfilled promises in Tamil Nadu.
Coimbatore, AIADMK, DMK, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, M.K. Stalin, industrial growth, job losses.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/industrial-activity-has-declined-under-dmk-government-resulting-in-joblessness-palaniswami/article70046464.ece
Category : Coimbatore
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Publish Date: 2025-09-13 23:52:00
