AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday mocked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s reported prime ministerial ambitions, suggesting he could even aspire to become the President of the United States. Palaniswami criticized Vijay as a “costly Chief Minister,” pointing to his social media campaigns and travel expenses, while alleging a deterioration in law and order under the current government.

Key Allegations

  • Law and Order: Palaniswami claimed that incidents of murder, robbery, and clashes have increased under Vijay's administration.
  • Financial Concerns: He warned that the state’s debt could reach Rs 10 lakh crore if the current borrowing rate continues.
  • Underfunded Schemes: The AIADMK leader accused the government of announcing schemes without adequate financial backing.

Political Context

In a broader political context, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged handshakes at the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, attended by various world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi congratulated the Indian populace for achieving a 7.8% GDP growth in the first quarter of FY27, attributing this success to the collective strength of the people.

Social Issues

In health news, social activist Anna Hazare was admitted to a Mumbai hospital due to a viral infection and acute dehydration. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR against officials of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) for irregularities in the distribution of subsidized rice meant for poor laborers.