‘People of Tamil Nadu expect only single-party rule in 2026'
At the same time, he insisted that attempts to break the alliance of the two parties would not materialise.
In an interview with The Hindu in Tiruvarur, Mr. Palaniswami, who is on a Statewide tour as part of his 'Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom (Will save people, retrieve Tamil Nadu)' campaign, said the next government would be formed in line with the people's sentiment. The people of Tamil Nadu favoured a single-party rule. 'We also wish for the same. The AIADMK will certainly form the next government on its own with an absolute majority and fulfill the people's expectations,' he said.
Mr. Palaniswami downplayed the BJP's pre-poll assertion about forming a coalition government, stating that such claims were merely meant 'to enthuse their cadres'.
While contending that the AIADMK has not held any talks so far with actor Vijay's Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam, he said his appeal to all like-minded parties to join hands with the AIADMK to defeat the DMK applied for the actor-politician too. The same was applicable to the Naam Tamilar Katchi, headed by Tamil nationalist Seeman. 'There are eight more months for the election. A clear picture will emerge at an appropriate time,' he said.
The Leader of Opposition accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of not understanding the sufferings of the people.
A fortnight into his roadshow, Mr. Palaniswami said there had been an overwhelming response from the people to his tour. He felt contradictions within the DMK alliance were getting more pronounced and expressed optimism that the AIADMK will form the next government in Tamil Nadu.
Edited excerpts from the interview:
What is your assessment of the response to your ongoing State-wide roadshow, which you had launched in Mettupalayam on July 7?
There is an overwhelming response from the people. We see huge turnouts wherever I go.
You had dubbed M.K. Stalin as a 'Coat Suit' Chief Minister, who did nothing concrete for the development and welfare of the people except for stage-managing shows through media appearances. However, he says his 'Dravidian model' government is the best in the country...
I have only reflected the people's assessment of his failure as Chief Minister. Without understanding the suffering of the people under his regime, he projects himself as the best Chief Minister due to arrogance of power.
Of late, smaller parties are driving a hard bargain with dominant partners — be it the AIADMK or the DMK. They are seeking more seats. What is your take?
It is quite common for parties, depending upon the prevailing circumstances, to make moves for their respective growth. As far as the DMK front is concerned, the party's popularity has taken a hit. So, its allies are asserting themselves. So, it (DMK) will be pushed to allot more seats to allies, as sought by them.
So, do you foresee the DMK alliance disintegrating in the run-up to the Assembly polls? Allies such as the Congress and the VCK have expressed a desire to share power...
I cannot say whether the alliance will break up or not. But of late, contradiction in opinions in the DMK alliance is more pronounced.
It is being openly reported in the media. [Congress leader] Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised the Communists. Likewise, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary P. Shanmugam, while participating in a protest, has said, '98% of the promises made by the DMK in its election manifesto have not been fulfilled.' Such contradictions exist there. Like you mentioned, allies are seeking a share in power. These incidents indicate fissures. But whether the alliance will crack, we cannot respond hypothetically.
After having severed ties with the BJP in 2023, you have now entered into an electoral alliance for the Assembly election. The BJP leadership is repeatedly asserting the party will be a part of the next government (should the alliance win in 2026). But during your roadshow at Thiruthuraipoondi, you said 'AIADMK men are not fools' to share power. Could you clarify your stand?
I did not say that [contextually]. The DMK and its allies, to malign the AIADMK-BJP alliance, are orchestrating a campaign that the BJP will 'swallow the AIADMK'. The Thiruthuraipoondi statement was made to scotch this well-planned, sinister campaign of the DMK and its alliance partners.
In a State that has not seen a coalition government, what is your clear and direct message to the BJP on this issue?
The formation of a government will reflect the people's sentiment. People wish for a single-party rule with an absolute majority in the State. This is what is happening as per their wishes for so many years in Tamil Nadu.
This is what people expect in the 2026 election as well. We also wish for the same.
The AIADMK will certainly form the next government on its own with an absolute majority and fulfil the people's expectation.
Will you talk to the BJP leadership to clear the contradictions?
There is no contradiction. Parties express such desire (coalition government) to enthuse their cadre. Many are trying to break the AIADMK-BJP alliance by criticising and creating discord among us. It will not materialise. The AIADMK-BJP alliance will continue intact — 100%.
Did the AIADMK hold talks with actor Vijay for an alliance with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)?
There have been no such talks so far.
Would you extend an invitation to him to join your alliance?
All like-minded parties that want to defeat the anti-people DMK should join hands with the AIADMK.
Is this applicable to the TVK?
Mr. Vijay is also vowing to defeat the DMK. It applies to his party as well.
What about Seeman's Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK)?
Our general view is that all like-minded parties must join together. There are eight more months for the election. A clear picture will emerge at an appropriate time.
But how would parties opposed to the BJP join hands with you?
How did such parties join together in the 1999 Parliamentary election and 2001 Assembly election [BJP-inclusive DMK-led alliance]?
Is there grassroots synergy between the AIADMK and the BJP?
You can see the enthusiasm among them during my ongoing campaign. The BJP cadre and leaders continue to participate in the roadshows.
There is a perception that the AIADMK has lost ground in south Tamil Nadu and delta. No such situation, as portrayed by some, prevails on the ground. The AIADMK enjoys strong support in all districts. The people, who have undergone untold sufferings in the 50-month misrule of the DMK, strongly feel we have the capability to throw the DMK out of power.
We had done a lot for the people of the delta region. We enacted a law to make the delta an agriculture protected zone. We ensured Cauvery water reached the tail-end areas. We stood by farmers and fishermen when the region was hit by Cyclone Gaja and ensured the timely distribution of compensation. We introduced three-phase power to the farmers and rolled out kuruvai and samba packages. I am basically a farmer. I know their difficulties. The farmers of the delta region also agree that I will safeguard them. They will stand with us.
What is your take on the battle for control of the PMK between its founder S. Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss?
I trust all will end well. I do not want to interfere in their party affairs.
How do you see the DMK government's handling of law and order, its promise to eliminate corruption, and the ED raids on ruling politicians?
How could the DMK put an end to corruption? It is the fountainhead of corruption. I hope law will take its course in the ED cases. No DMK Minister, involved in corruption, can escape....There is absolutely no law and order in Tamil Nadu. There is no safety and security for women and children. The crime rate is up. When DMK men are involved in crimes, the rulers invariably protect them and some officers too. A time will soon come when they will be subjected to questioning. This government, which came to power proclaiming it will abolish the NEET, must also take moral responsibility for the deaths of 25 medical aspirants.
Hasn't the DMK consolidated women voters through various schemes including the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme?
The people have not forgotten the DMK government for scrapping the Thalikku Thangam scheme and marriage assistance scheme of distributing ₹25,000 and ₹50,000. The women will teach a fitting lesson to the DMK.
What is your aspiration for the AIADMK and its future?
I want the AIADMK to grow further and would love to see the party in the seat of power again. I am always with the grassroots level cadre as one of them, and not as a leader. Due to this, I understand their feelings and expectations. I act as per their wishes, and as a party. we are strong and united to defeat our political enemies in 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit Ariyalur later this month. Will you meet him?
We will let you know soon.
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