DMK Chief Minister M.K. Stalin criticized AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami for personal attacks during election campaign in Thoothukudi. Stalin referenced the May 22, 2018 police firing that killed 13 people. He claimed Palaniswami, then police department head, said he learned of deaths through television. Stalin argued this demonstrated poor governance and that Palaniswami was diverting attention from past incidents.