Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Palaniswami Questions Vijay’s UK Visit, Urges Focus on Governance
E K Palaniswami questioned why Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay travelled to the United Kingdom.
He said the trip was supposed to attract investments, but important industries officials did not go with him.
Because of this, Palaniswami said some people might think it was a pleasure trip.
He also said an agreement with the Motherson Group could have been signed in Tamil Nadu.
Palaniswami criticized plans to build a new Secretariat complex while the state has financial problems.
He said the government should instead work on promises to farmers, nurses and public-sector workers.
He complained about power cuts, law and order and alleged corruption.
A minister said the state had a power shortage and planned to buy more electricity, but the government had not endorsed that position.
Palaniswami also accused the government of wasting Assembly time on political disputes.
E K Palaniswami questioned whether Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s UK trip was primarily intended to attract investment.
He said the industries minister or secretary should have accompanied Vijay on an official investment mission.
Palaniswami said the Motherson Group agreement could have been signed in Tamil Nadu because the company has 32 facilities in India and a major Chennai office.
He criticized plans for a new Secretariat complex amid rising debt and financial constraints.
Palaniswami also alleged failures involving campaign promises, power cuts, law and order, corruption and Assembly priorities.
- Who
- AIADMK leader E K Palaniswami criticized Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and his government.
- What
- Palaniswami questioned Vijay’s UK visit and criticized the government’s handling of investment, finances, campaign promises, power, law and order and Assembly proceedings.
- When
- Palaniswami made the remarks to reporters on Thursday; the reports do not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- He spoke in Madurai, while the questioned visit was to the United Kingdom, including London.
- Why
- Palaniswami said the absence of senior industries officials raised doubts about the visit’s purpose and argued that the government should prioritize public problems and campaign commitments.
AIADMK Criticism
Government-Linked Positions
Purpose of the UK visit
AIADMK Criticism
Palaniswami said the absence of the industries minister and secretary raised serious questions and could lead the public to view the trip as a pleasure visit.
Government-Linked Positions
The visit was presented as an effort to attract industrial investment, including through an agreement with the Motherson Group; the reports do not provide a detailed government response to Palaniswami’s criticism.
Location of the Motherson agreement
AIADMK Criticism
Palaniswami said the agreement could have been executed in Tamil Nadu because Motherson already has extensive operations and a major office in Chennai.
Government-Linked Positions
The agreement was signed in London, but the reports do not state the government’s reason for choosing that location.
Power shortage
AIADMK Criticism
Palaniswami described frequent power cuts as a crisis and blamed a lack of foresight by the previous DMK government.
Government-Linked Positions
Electricity Minister R Nirmal Kumar acknowledged a power deficit and proposed buying 2,000 MW, although the government had not endorsed his position.
Government priorities
AIADMK Criticism
Palaniswami said the government should address campaign promises and public grievances instead of pursuing a new Secretariat complex or political disputes in the Assembly.
Government-Linked Positions
The reports mention the Secretariat proposal and government proceedings but do not provide a detailed defense of these priorities.
- Main critic
- E K Palaniswami, AIADMK leader and former chief minister
- Chief minister referenced
- C Joseph Vijay
- Visit destination
- United Kingdom; the Motherson agreement was signed in London
- Investment agreement
- An agreement with the Motherson Group
- Motherson presence
- The company operates 32 facilities across India and has a major office in Chennai
- Power proposal
- Electricity Minister R Nirmal Kumar announced plans to purchase 2,000 MW from the open market
- Other allegations
- Palaniswami cited financial constraints, unfulfilled campaign promises, power cuts, law-and-order concerns, alleged corruption and administrative failure
