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Time of India
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tamil Nadu elections: AIADMK Leader Edappadi K Palaniswami Advocates BJP Alliance to Combat DMK's Governance Ahead of 2026 Polls
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami says the party will form the govt with an absolute majority. Photo by B A Raju Every section of society has been affected over the past 50 months since the DMK assumed office, says AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami in an interview with Jaya Menon and Julie Mariappan. He adds that as the largest party in Tamil Nadu , the AIADMK will emerge victorious in the 2026 assembly election. Excerpts: How is the AIADMK poised for the 2026 assembly election? You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai AIADMK will capture power with absolute majority in 2026. Every section of society has been affected over the past 50 months since the DMK assumed office — an increase in drug trafficking, illicit liquor deaths, murder, burglary and sexual offences, price rise and spike in tax burden. There is a growing hatred for the Stalin model govt among the public. Never in the history of Tamil Nadu has there been such a corrupt, incompetent anti-people govt. I began the 'Makkalai Kappom–Tamizhagathai Meetpom' statewide tour from July 7 covering 234 constituencies to remind people of the AIADMK govt's achievements. I can see massive support wherever I go. It is eight years since you took charge as AIADMK general secretary. My political journey in AIADMK began 46 years ago. As general secretary, I am working with the sole objective of bringing AIADMK back to power, with the blessings of two deities — Puratchi Thalaivar M G Ramachandran and Puratchi Thalaivi Amma (J Jayalalithaa). I will achieve that goal with the support of people and cooperation of AIADMK cadres. What is your assessment of AIADMK's strengths? There are more than two crore members in AIADMK. It is the third largest party in the country in terms of membership. We are the largest party in Tamil Nadu. We will emerge victorious. In an interview to TOI in 2019 ahead of LS polls, you said AIADMK lacked a strong national leader after Jayalalithaa and Narendra Modi was the only option. AIADMK is a state party. If projects need to be implemented in the state, the cooperation and support of the Centre is essential. BJP is a strong party nationally. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo It is the ruling party at the Centre. The major issues facing the state today are the DMK's autocratic rule, deep-rooted corruption, deteriorating law and order, unbearable debt burden, and a lack of development projects. The administration is trapped in the clutches of one family. AIADMK believes an alliance with BJP is essential to remove this chaotic govt, reclaim Tamil Nadu, and bring it back on the path of development. We want to remove the anti-people DMK regime from Tamil Nadu. Why didn't you align with BJP for the 2024 LS polls? Poll strategies are formed based on the political situation. Given the current political scenario, the DMK must be ousted. Hence, it has become necessary to unite like-minded parties. Such a situation did not arise during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Is AIADMK ready to form a coalition govt for the first time in its history if it does not win a majority? Even if it gets a majority? How can I answer a hypothetical question? AIADMK will form the govt with an absolute majority. Did your decision to align with the BJP have anything to do with Annamalai not continuing as its state president? The AIADMK never interferes in the activities of other parties. Are you in talks with Vijay 's TVK? We cannot reveal our election strategies and tactics. Will AIADMK snap ties with the BJP and join hands with TVK in the event of Vijay climbing down? I don't respond to hypothetical questions. Who is a stronger ally — BJP or TVK? BJP is a national party. It is the ruling party in several states. Each party has its own strength. We can't compare parties. All like-minded parties should join hands to take on the anti-people DMK. Did the AIADMK explore alliances with NTK and DMK allies, VCK and the Left parties for the 2026 election? We welcome those who want to work with us to unseat the anti-DMK govt. What is wrong with that? What about criticism that AIADMK leadership lacks the dynamism and charisma of former chief ministers MGR and Jayalalithaa? They are unparalleled leaders. It is foolish to compare them with anyone. The party was nurtured by them and will always have their guidance. The AIADMK is now strong and vibrant. Party cadres are working enthusiastically. What is your response to allegations that conflicts, splits and ideological inconsistencies led to AIADMK's poor show in the elections? After Amma died, the party experienced a setback but it has risen from that trying period. Victory and defeat are common in electoral politics. Didn't we return to office in 2001 after losing in 1996? Didn't the DMK that lost its deposit in RK Nagar bypoll in 2017 and finished third, come to power in the last election? We contested alone in the 2024 LS polls and increased our vote share. In the 2026 election, we will record a resounding win and form the govt. How will the AIADMK-BJP alliance influence vote conversion considering that cadres burst firecrackers when the allies split in 2023? I am not aware of celebrations with firecrackers. Election strategies must be tailored to the situation for a victory. What do you have to say about the perceived insults aimed at Dravidian icons Periyar and Annadurai during the Murugan devotees' conference? We have condemned videos defaming Periyar and Anna. How are you going to revive relationships with minority groups, especially after erstwhile allies representing the community have parted ways? Since its inception, AIADMK has been committed to minorities' welfare. It is false propaganda that they are against us. AIADMK is struggling to build a formidable alliance, having lost most of its allies since 2021. It is difficult to form an alliance against the authoritative power and money power of DMK. The AIADMK will overcome those obstacles and win. Why did you raise the issue of temple funds being used by HR&CE department for education given that MGR too took such initiatives? There is nothing wrong with using temple funds for education. Though colleges are functioning on temple funds, they will charge like self-financing colleges. Therefore, it is mandatory for poor students to pay higher fees when studying in HR&CE-run colleges. Running colleges is a recurring expense and the temple concerned must allocate a substantial amount every year. The state govt must take on the responsibility of higher education. Doesn't the govt have the funds to do this? Your thoughts on the state economic survey's findings, suggesting growth, high per capita income and employment opportunities. These are all publicity stunts. They don't seem to have made any such progress. Chief minister M K Stalin says AIADMK has no locus standi to comment on law and order. AIADMK that strives for welfare has the locus standi more than Stalin, who became CM with the only qualification of being Karunanidhi's son, and ruined law and order. Are we allies to remain mute spectators to the anti-people activities of the incompetent DMK govt? In a democracy, every citizen has the right to question anyone. But elected representatives and the leader of opposition don't seem to have the right. This is Stalin's understanding of democracy. How do you respond to the govt's assertion that the state's debt is well within the prescribed levels? Should we continue borrowing assuming the state's debt is within the prescribed limit? State govt debt in the 75 years since Independence until 2021 was Rs 5 lakh crore. DMK's borrowings in the past four years is Rs 4.5 lakh crore. The debt burden will exceed Rs 5 lakh crore by the time the DMK tenure ends. Is taking a loan an achievement? We oppose DMK govt's incompetence, which has imposed a debt of Rs1.5 lakh on the head of every child to be born. Email your feedback with name and address to
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘We will work to unite parties to defeat DMK'
Chennai: Tamil Manila Congress (TMC) president G K Vasan on Tuesday said that his party will work to unite all political parties opposing DMK in Tamil Nadu. At a public meeting in Chennai to mark the 123rd birth anniversary of former chief minister K Kamaraj, Vasan said defeating DMK in the 2026 assembly election is the need of the hour. "TMC will work to unite all parties that are against DMK to defeat the DMK govt in the 2026 election,'' he said. The TMC president said the law and order situation has deteriorated in the state. "The only solution is to send DMK out of power," Vasan said. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai Referring to the 'Makkalai Kaappom, Tamizhagathai Meetpom' campaign of AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, Vasan said the campaign was turning out to be a success. "The campaign will add further strength to our alliance," he said. Vasan alleged that several Union govt schemes have not reached Tamil Nadu due to the DMK govt that is blindly opposing the BJP govt at the centre. "Tamil Nadu has not grown because of this," he said, adding that the next TN govt formed by their alliance will work in cooperation with the Union govt. "If we want 100% growth for Tamil Nadu, we need to have a smooth relationship with the Union govt," Vasan said.
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Edappadi Palaniswami has become the original voice of BJP: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday criticised the AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami for opposing the establishment of schools and colleges under the Department of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) in the State and accused him of becoming the 'original voice' of the BJP. Speaking at a government function in Tiruvarur to mark the distribution of welfare assistance and inauguration of development projects in the district, he said there were legal provisions for establishing educational institutions under the HR and CE Act. 'Former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran had opened the Palaniandavar Polytechnic College. And, you (Mr. Palaniswami) had opened additional buildings for the college during your last tenure. Is it wrong if we open colleges now?' he asked. Mr. Palaniswami, who was the 'dubbing voice' of the BJP earlier, has now become its 'original voice', Mr. Stalin said, adding that: 'Even BJP leaders are not saying that colleges (of the HR and CE Department) should not be opened.' Mr. Stalin wondered why the Leader of the Opposition was opposed to education and whether he would raise his voice against Governor R.N. Ravi for delaying assent to the Bill proposing the establishment of the Kalaignar University in Kumbakonam. 'Irrespective of whether he questions the Union government or not, we will face the issue legally and establish the university,' he asserted. Taking a dig at Mr. Palaniswami's State-wide 'Makkalai Kaapom, Tamizhagathai Meetpom' roadshow, Mr. Stalin charged that the AIADMK leader had hitched the party to a group that is against calling the State 'Tamil Nadu'. Accusing Mr. Palaniswami of betraying the interests of his own party, Tamil Nadu, and Tamils, Mr. Stalin said the DMK had already retrieved the State from his misrule. 'We have set right the ills, and today, Tamil Nadu's growth rate of 9.69% is the highest in the country, even as per the Union government's own admission. The Centre could neither hide nor deny this,' he asserted. This was despite the Union government denying funds to Tamil Nadu. 'Even our share of the Goods and Services Tax is not being given properly. There are no special schemes, and we have been denied funds meant for school education.' 'The Union government was refusing to publish the Keeladi excavation report to cover up the greatness of Tamils. On top of these are issues such as delimitation and the imbroglio over electoral rolls now. How could you unabashedly join hands with those who have deprived Tamil Nadu of all its rights?' Mr. Stalin asked Mr. Palaniswami. Given Mr. Palaniswami's 'track record', the people of the State will not be deceived by his campaign, Mr. Stalin said and called upon the people to stand united with him in the 'Oraniyil Tamil Nadu' campaign [of the DMK] to protect the interests of the State. Earlier in the day, Mr. Stalin participated in a membership enrolment campaign of the DMK and visited a few houses on Sannadhi Street and nearby areas in Tiruvarur town to enlist new members. He also inspected a Social Justice Hostel for college students at Kidarankondan.
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
CM Stalin slams EPS for opposing HR&CE-run colleges; mocks BJP alliance
TIRUVARUR: Chief Minister M K Stalin took a dig at AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami for questioning the HR and CE department building schools and colleges and pointed out the Hr and CE act itself have provisions for establishing educational institutions. Speaking after inaugurating completed projects, laying foundation stone for new projects and distributing welfare assistance to beneficiaries at a function held in Tiruvarur on Thursday the Chief Minister wondered how Palaniswami was a CM while ignorant about such provision. "Even MGR inaugurated Palani Andavar Polytechnic college (under HR and CE) while he was the Chief Minister", Stalin said. Palaniswami himself inaugurated the additional building for the college, Stalin said. "Even BJP leaders do not speak against opening colleges (by HR and CE). But Palaniswami do", Stalin said. Taking a quip at the theme of Edappadi K Palaniswam's campaign tour Stalin said "he commenced the tour with the title "Tamizhagathai Meetpom" because he had aligned AIADMK with a group (sangh parivar) which has been against calling the state Tamil Nadu. "How could Palaniswami retrieve Tamil Nadu if he could not retrieve AIADMK (from BJP)", said Stalin. "How could you (Palaniswami) take out your tour without shame by aligning with those (BJP) who had snatched all the rights of Tamil Nadu?"
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
DMK has no locus standi to question AIADMK-BJP tie-up, says Palaniswami
Having aligned with the BJP for the 1999 Lok Sabha and 2001 Assembly elections and shared power at the Centre (1999-2003), the DMK has no locus standi to criticise the AIADMK's alliance with the national party for the 2026 Assembly election, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami said on Monday, starting off his State-wide campaign from Mettupalayam in Coimbatore. The campaign is titled 'Puratchi Tamizharin Ezhuchi Payanam-Makkalai Kaapom, Tamizhagathai Meetpom'. Mr. Palaniswami, who began the campaign under the Z+ security protection announced by the Union government just days earlier, addressed people from a retractable podium atop a customised bus painted green and featuring the photos of him and former Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai, M.G. Ramachandran, and Jayalalithaa. Scores of AIADMK and BJP workers took part in Mr. Palaniswami's first-ever joint road show with BJP leaders, three months after the alliance was forged. The Leader of the Opposition wondered how the BJP could be perceived as 'ideal' by the DMK when it was in its company and castigated as 'communal' when it was in alliance with the AIADMK. 'The people cannot be cheated any more,' Mr. Palaniswami said, directing his tirade at DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The DMK, he said, had done precious little for Tamil Nadu despite enjoying power for 16 years through tie-ups with the BJP and the Congress and under the governments of V.P. Singh and I.K. Gujral. However, the ruling party was now complaining about insufficient funds from the Union government, he said. By implementing 'only 15% of its 525 promises' for the 2021 Assembly election, hampering the implementation of the AIADMK government's people-centric initiatives like the Amma Mini Clinic, and steeply increasing the property tax and electricity tariff, the DMK was certain to face defeat in 2026, Mr. Palaniswami told a huge gathering of supporters. The DMK had failed to maintain law and order, he said, referring to the custodial death of a temple guard in Sivaganga as the latest instance. Women of all ages were unsafe. In contrast, the AIADMK administration was flawless from 2011 to 2021, he said. 'Rudderless alliance' Mr. Palaniswami questioned the rationale behind the DMK's alliance with the Congress as it was utilising every opportunity to capitalise on the 'travails' during Emergency. The INDIA bloc that Mr. Stalin was talking up quite often had been rendered rudderless after the exit of the Aam Aadmi Party. 'After assuming power in 2026', the AIADMK would revive phase II of the Athikadavu-Avinashi project and bring in a number of people-friendly schemes with substantial funding from the BJP government that had been elected for the third term under the laudable leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Palaniswami said. Mr. Palaniswami as well as BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagendran and Union Minister L. Murugan urged their party cadre work in unison for the victory of the alliance. In his brief speech, Mr. Nagendran even referred to Mr. Palaniswami as the 'future Chief Minister'. The BJP leaders also shared the podium with Mr. Palaniswami atop the campaign bus. All the senior leaders of both parties took part in the campaign that covered Karamadai, Periyanaickenpalayam, Thudiyalur, and Kavundampalayam, the areas considered strongholds of both parties.
