Tamil Nadu politics: Stalin condemns Palaniswami COVID-19 remark at Chennai rally

A controversy erupted after an alleged remark by AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami at a Chennai rally about the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Minister M K Stalin condemned the statement, calling it reckless and driven by fear of defeat. Stalin said he was not afraid of death and would act to protect the people.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Updated: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 23:42 [IST]

A comment attributed to AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami about Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday set off a political row. Stalin condemned the remark and said death did not frighten M K Stalin. M K Stalin also said M K Stalin would go to any extent to protect people.

Palaniswami made the statement while speaking at an election rally in Chennai. Palaniswami asked if drought, floods, cyclones, or the coronavirus pandemic happened under the DMK. Palaniswami also claimed there was “nothing\” in that period. The remark drew sharp reactions from the DMK camp soon after.

Coronavirus pandemic remark by Edappadi K Palaniswami sparks DMK response

Stalin said Palaniswami questioned whether Covid-19 appeared during the DMK regime. Stalin said Palaniswami added that if the outbreak happened during Palaniswami’s tenure, Palaniswami \”would have gone died\”. Stalin treated the claim as reckless talk linked to fear of defeat. Stalin said Palaniswami spoke daily and made poor statements.

The timeline of the coronavirus pandemic in Tamil Nadu became part of the dispute. The first cases appeared when the AIADMK was in power. The DMK took office in May 2021 during the second wave. Stalin used this to challenge Palaniswami’s line at the Chennai rally.

M K Stalin recalls prison ordeal while replying to coronavirus pandemic comments

Stalin said, \”I am not someone who worries or is afraid of death.\” Stalin recalled being arrested in 1976 under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act. Stalin said Stalin was 23 at the time and faced severe torture in jail. Stalin said Stalin spent a year in prison with courage and fortitude.

Stalin also referred to guidance from M Karunanidhi. Stalin said, \”My father, my leader Kalaignar late DMK patriarch, former chief minister M Karunanidhi sent me to prison saying that I have to face all these in public life.\” Stalin said, \”When I did not fear tortures of the prison; do you think I will fear coronavirus?\”

Stalin says PPE visit showed coronavirus pandemic seriousness

Stalin said M K Stalin visited a Covid ward wearing a PPE kit to inspect conditions. Stalin said many people feared the virus at that time. Stalin added the visit was not disclosed in advance. Stalin said, \”I am going to tell you something that has not been disclosed so far.\”

Stalin said, \”I did not tell anyone that I was going to go and inspect the Covid ward.\” Stalin added that Durga reacted strongly. Stalin said, \”My wife Durga got upset and did not speak to me for a week.\” Stalin said, \”This is sathiyam truth.\” Stalin added, \”I will go to any extent to save the people.\”

DMK leaders condemn Palaniswami over coronavirus pandemic remark

Stalin spoke at a public meeting in Villupuram and widened the criticism. Stalin recalled years in public life and meetings with leaders like Periyar EV Ramasamy, CN Annadurai, Kamarajar and MGR. Stalin said the concern was having to answer leaders like Palaniswami. Stalin said this rebuttal was forced by the present debate.

DMK senior leaders also condemned Palaniswami for the alleged derogatory remark. Tamizhachi Thangapandian and Kanimozhi criticised the statement in strong terms. Kanimozhi said: \”Tamil Nadu will never forgive you. After the polls are over, you will not even have a place in this land.\” The dispute continued as campaign speeches drew attention.

With inputs from PTI