Palaniswami Questions Stalin's Inaction as Tiruppur Textile Hub Reels From U.S. Tariffs

AIADMK General Secretary and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has criticized Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for failing to address the economic fallout from a 50% US tariff hike impacting Tamil Nadu’s exporters, particularly in Tiruppur’s knitwear sector.

Speaking at a rally in Tiruppur on Friday night, Palaniswami alleged that the DMK government and its MPs have remained silent on the issue, neglecting the plight of the industry, which employs around five lakh workers.

The tariff increase, attributed to policies under US President Donald Trump, has severely disrupted Tiruppur’s textile industry, a key driver of Tamil Nadu’s economy. Palaniswami emphasized the urgent need to protect domestic industries, warning that the livelihoods of thousands are at risk due to the state government’s inaction. He accused the DMK of failing to mitigate the crisis, which has paralyzed businesses and threatened economic stability in the region.

Palaniswami also lambasted the DMK government for its inability to control soaring prices of essential commodities, claiming it has lost public trust due to unfulfilled promises. He labeled the DMK’s governance as a “Dravidian model” that has deceived voters, further straining the state’s economic and social fabric.

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Looking ahead to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Palaniswami predicted a public backlash against the DMK, vowing that the AIADMK would form a “people-friendly” government. He concluded his speech with a pointed remark, saying “bye bye Stalin,” signaling his party’s intent to challenge the ruling regime.

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