GG News Bureau
Coimbatore, 7th July: Ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) launched his much-anticipated statewide campaign from Mettupalayam in Coimbatore district, a traditional stronghold of the party. The campaign, themed “Protecting People and Redeeming Tamil Nadu,” will span all 234 assembly constituencies in a bid to revive the AIADMK’s electoral fortunes.
At a public rally this evening, EPS is expected to come down heavily on the DMK government, accusing it of “failures and unfulfilled promises.” His campaign will address key state-wide concerns such as deteriorating law and order, women’s safety, and the increasing drug menace, along with hyper-local constituency issues.
This campaign is widely seen as a do-or-die moment for the AIADMK, which has lost three consecutive elections since the demise of its iconic leader J. Jayalalithaa in 2016. While EPS emerged as the undisputed leader after sidelining former ally O. Panneerselvam (OPS), the party has struggled to regain the momentum it once enjoyed under Jayalalithaa’s stewardship.
Tensions in BJP Alliance, TVK’s Entry Reshapes the Field
Having exited its alliance with the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections — in which both parties suffered a drubbing at the hands of the DMK-led alliance — the AIADMK has since attempted a cautious rapprochement with the saffron party. However, the alliance appears brittle, lacking grassroots coordination and facing scepticism within both camps.
Further complicating matters is the rise of actor Vijay’s Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), which has quickly carved out a space in Tamil Nadu’s political discourse. Vijay’s emphatic announcement as the CM candidate and his upcoming state tour from September to December indicate his serious electoral intent. Notably, Vijay has refused to partner with the BJP in any form, keeping both AIADMK and BJP at bay.
His move echoes the transitions of Tamil cinema legends like C.N. Annadurai and M.G. Ramachandran, as he seeks to transform cinematic appeal into political currency. The TVK has also launched a parallel membership campaign to build a strong grassroots base.
Will EPS Break Away to Woo Vijay?
With political equations in flux, speculation is rife over whether EPS may eventually sever ties with the BJP to explore a potential understanding with Vijay’s TVK — though Vijay has shown no signs of interest in alliances.
Meanwhile, Director Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) remains a wildcard in what is shaping up to be a four-cornered contest:
- DMK-led alliance
- AIADMK-BJP combine
- TVK’s debut challenge
- Seeman’s NTK
DMK Banks on Welfare, Stability
The ruling DMK, riding on three consecutive electoral victories, remains confident. Welfare measures like the ₹1000 monthly stipend for women, free bus travel for women, free breakfast for schoolchildren, and skill development schemes for youth have helped cement its appeal across social segments.
The party has also rolled out a state-wide door-to-door campaign to enroll 30% of the state’s electorate as DMK members, hoping to secure a decisive mandate.
With nine months to go before Tamil Nadu votes, the electoral climate is intensifying — no longer just a bipolar fight but an emerging multi-cornered battle for Fort St George.
