Udhayanidhi Stalin Slams Palaniswami Over Viral ‘Ambulance Obstruction’ Video

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami, after a viral video appeared to show him and his supporters preventing an ambulance from passing through during a campaign event in Vellore district.

“The Opposition Leader has been touring in a campaign bus. At one venue, while he was delivering a speech, an ambulance arrived. We all saw how he and his men intimidated the driver and even the doctors inside. They went so far as to stop the ambulance repeatedly and assault its drivers. That video went viral, and the public rightly condemned such behaviour. Is this befitting of a responsible Opposition Leader?” Stalin asked while addressing a gathering.

Drawing a contrast, Stalin said his party ensured ambulances were always given priority. “When our leader or I speak at meetings, if an ambulance comes by, we immediately give way. Our workers also step aside. Only after the ambulance has passed do we resume. That is how a true leader should behave,” he remarked.

The Deputy Chief Minister went further, using the incident to launch a political attack on the AIADMK. “I said earlier that the AIADMK itself is in a state where it must travel by ambulance. Because of the BJP’s ‘surgery,’ your movement will end up in the ICU—and even then, it will only be our leader who comes as the doctor to save you,” he declared.

Health Minister Ma Subramanian also condemned Palaniswami’s actions during the Anaicut meeting in Vellore. At another political event, Stalin reiterated his stance. “I don’t want to dwell much on politics at this event, but Minister Ma Su has already given a clear response to the Opposition Leader’s allegations. You would have seen what happened just ten days ago during his tours,” he said.

Concluding with a warning, Stalin told Palaniswami: “If you fail to understand this, then mark my words—the people of Tamil Nadu will soon put your party and your movement in a state where it will have to be wheeled away in an ambulance.”