Before leaving on a fortnight-long trip to the U.K., U.S. and Dubai on Wednesday, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami shot back at DMK president M.K. Stalin over the Opposition leader’s criticism of his foreign trip, and questioned why the DMK leader hadn’t yet explained his frequent personal foreign trips.
Replying to reporters’ queries before boarding his flight, Mr. Palaniswami said: “Every time, criticisms are being made. But Mr. Stalin is going on foreign visits often. His visits are personal. If so, what are the reasons? What is the mystery behind going on foreign visits often? He has not made this clear to any media [outlet].”
Responding to Mr. Stalin’s claim that the CM’s foreign trip was for personal gain, Mr. Palaniswami said: “It is not true. I'm not an industrialist but a humble farmer. We are going abroad for this country's development, to create job opportunities for youngsters, to boost the economy. That is our motive.”