Would have got deputy CM post, but DMDK never chased post: Premallatha

Chennai: DMDK general secretary Premallatha Vijayakant on Sunday took a swipe at VCK and IUML for joining the TVK-led govt, saying some parties had run behind ministerial berths while DMDK remained committed to alliance principles and had never sought power or positions.

“If I had said a single word, deputy chief ministership would have been offered at my doorstep by current chief minister Vijay,” she said, asserting that DMDK has never compromised its principles for positions or power.

Premallatha said DMDK had once again proved in this election that it was not motivated by power, posts or financial gains. She also took a dig at AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, accusing him of not honouring his word, excluding DMDK from alliance discussions and failing to organise even alliance-led protests in a united manner.

Criticising the ruling dispensation, she said parties that once described certain political forces as “evil” were now relying on their support to remain in power. “People are closely watching these political developments,” she said, adding that recent political developments had prompted serious reflection among the youth of Tamil Nadu.

She urged the Tamil Nadu govt to act on law and order issues, crimes against women, the Mekedatu issue and farmers’ demands such as crop loan waivers.

Responding to criticism over comments made by minister Aadhav Arjuna, Premalatha said she initially did not understand the meaning of the word “Dhurandhar” used to describe her. “What does ‘Dhurandhar’ mean? First of all, I did not understand its meaning. The word itself is a Hindi word. Who knows? One can answer it in a second,” she said, before adding, “Hindi theriyadhu poda.” She also cautioned Aadhav Arjuna, saying, “The person who used that word should ensure that he does not become a Durandhar himself in the future.”