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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: At a rally in Sivaganga ahead of Tamil Nadu<\/a> Assembly polls, Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on CM MK Stalin, accusing him of forging alliances out of \u201cfear of defeat\u201d and alleging a breakdown of law and order under the ruling dispensation.Palaniswami claimed that \u201cout of fear of defeat, Stalin implored Congress and formed an alliance with the grand old party,\u201d targeting the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its tie-up with the Congress.Hitting back at Stalin for calling him a \u201cSanghi,\u201d the AIADMK<\/a> chief said the chief minister should \u201cuse words appropriately in keeping with his stature.\u201d He also warned that \u201cStalin deliberately speaking ill, in a defamatory manner against me and AIADMK\u2014we will hit back.\u201dMeanwhile, raising concerns over safety, Palaniswami cited POCSO cases in various states and alleged that \u201cwomen and children have no safety in the DMK regime.\u201d He further asserted that while \u201crule of law prevailed in the AIADMK regime, in the DMK regime it has become a laughing stock.\u201dThe AIADMK leader also announced financial support, assuring assistance of Rs 5 lakh each for \u201cpermitted sites\u201d to conduct the bull-taming sport Jallikattu.Tamil Nadu Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4, the Election Commission of India<\/a> said.The Model Code of Conduct has come into effect, beginning the process for the 234-member Assembly, whose term ends on May 10, 2026.The last date for filing nominations is April 6, scrutiny will take place on April 7, and candidates can withdraw by April 9.Voting will be conducted across 2.19 lakh polling stations in four states and one Union Territory, with around 25 lakh officials deployed.<\/div>\n