MLA’s remark triggers debate over AIADMK’s role as Opposition party

Udhayakumar defends the party citing pandemic

The BJP’s floor leader in the Assembly,NainarNagenthiran,may have used a“harsh language”against theAIADMKfornot playing an effective role as the principal Opposition party but there is a perception among sections of functionaries of the latter that theirorganisationis not doing enough to counter the ruling party.

[On Wednesday, the president of the State unit of the BJP, K. Annamalai, told the media that he conveyed regrets to the AIADMKco-ordinator,EdappadiKPalaniswami, over theremarksof hiscolleague. He commended the Oppositionparty forits functioning].

Many office-bearers feel that theAIADMK has notcapitalisedon thecontroversy over the distribution of Pongal gift hampers through the public distribution system.Similar was the case with the issue of functioning of retail liquor outletsdespite a strong campaign by theDMK while in the Opposition. Their general point is that the party has not been holding very many demonstrations or agitations that it should be doing.