NEW DELHI: Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday hit back at Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin over his “slave” remark, asserting that the “DMK is unable to accept the strength of the AIADMK.”“MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin are focusing only on criticising me in their campaigns, rather than speaking about people’s welfare or government schemes… Neither I nor my party cadres are slaves. While DMK may be a sewer, AIADMK cadres are proud followers of MG Ramachandran and will never accept such labels,” he said, PTI reported.“AIADMK is strong, and DMK is unable to accept this strength, which is why they resort to criticism,” he added.The response came after Udhayanidhi Stalin described the AIADMK-led NDA alliance as a “slave team” and accused Palaniswami of failing to defend Tamil Nadu’s interests, particularly on the NEET issue.“This election is between the Delhi team and the Tamil Nadu team. Our leader is the captain, and we will win. The AIADMK-led NDA alliance is a slave team. The NEET examination was implemented during the AIADMK regime under his leadership,” Udhayanidhi said.“He (Edappadi Palaniswami) failed to raise his voice for Tamil Nadu’s welfare. He is subservient to the Central Government,” he added.

Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the NDA led by AIADMK, while actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to make his electoral debut with his party TVK, adding a third dimension to the contest.