AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami said on Friday that falling at someone’s feet to seek their blessings was a part of the culture of Tamil Nadu. He was responding to criticism by DMK leader and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Addressing a gathering in Kancheepuram, where he was campaigning for the AIADMK alliance candidates, Mr. Palaniswami asked: “What is the culture of Tamil Nadu? When someone reaches a good position, we have to get their blessings. Is that not it?”
Pointing out that some partymen sought his blessings on his way to the campaign venue, Mr. Palaniswami remarked: “Partymen got my blessings. Does this make them my slaves? No. This only means they have good hearts. It is because of love. If only they realised it. Nothing of the sort exists in that family.”
“People should be magnanimous,” Mr. Palaniswami said, adding: “As for the AIADMK, we are people who are grateful. If someone does well for themselves, we will get their blessings. Don’t newly weds fall at their elders’ feet to receive their blessings?” Those who get new jobs also fell at their parents’ feet for blessings, he pointed out, and said: “This is a part of Tamil Nadu tradition. Without knowing any of this, he [Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin] is showing the photo.”
