Daijiworld Media Network – Chennai

Chennai, Sep 10: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Wednesday came down heavily on AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), accusing him of deliberately blocking an ambulance during a campaign in Vellore.

Addressing a gathering, Udhayanidhi said, “When EPS was delivering a speech, an ambulance arrived. We saw how he and his men threatened the driver and even the doctors inside. The video went viral. They went so far as to stop the ambulance repeatedly and even assault the drivers. The public strongly condemned this, questioning whether such behaviour was appropriate for a responsible Opposition Leader.”

Drawing a contrast, Udhayanidhi said, “Whenever our leader or I am speaking, if an ambulance comes, we immediately give way. Our workers also step aside. Only after the ambulance passes do we resume. That is how a true leader should conduct himself.”

Taking a swipe at AIADMK, the Deputy CM quipped, “I said before, your party itself is in a situation where it has to travel by ambulance. Because of the BJP’s surgery, the AIADMK movement will end up admitted to the ICU. And even then, only our leader will come as the doctor to save you.”

The row began when a video from Anaicut in Vellore district showed EPS shouting at an ambulance driver who attempted to pass through his campaign gathering. The incident drew sharp criticism, including from Health Minister Ma Subramanian.

On Monday, Udhayanidhi reiterated the charge, saying EPS deliberately blocked the ambulance and endangered lives. “The people of Tamil Nadu will not tolerate such behaviour. If EPS fails to understand this, let me tell you: the people themselves will put his party in a state where it will have to go in an ambulance,” he warned.