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The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Why EPS' call for anti-DMK alliance meets only rejection and silence
On 7 July 2025, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) launched a statewide campaign, 'Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom' (Let us protect the people, let us reclaim Tamil Nadu), in Coimbatore. Political analysts in Tamil Nadu say the shadow of AIADMK's alliance with the BJP is complicating a potential partnership with the Opposition AIADMK in the state. Chennai: In a bid to forge a formidable anti-DMK alliance for the 2026 assembly elections, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami extended a public invitation to parties including the ruling DMK allies Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), CPI and CPM, apart from Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and Seeman's Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK)—only to face rejection or silence. But with AIADMK firmly aligned with the BJP in the NDA Alliance, his overtures were met with sharp rejections. Political analyst N. Sathiya Moorthy said that the rejections and the cautious silence were largely due to the AIADMK's association with the BJP, which remains a polarising force in Tamil Nadu's Dravidian-dominated political landscape. 'Although EPS's invitations were strategic, aimed at consolidating anti-DMK forces under AIADMK's leadership, being in alliance with BJP is a barrier for other parties. Although rejections of VCK, CPI and CPI(M) may be because of their long standing understanding with the DMK, the rejections from Seeman's NTK and Vijay's TVK are largely because of the BJP, which they consider as an opponent in the state's political landscape,' N Sathiya Moorthy said. It was on 16 July, during his campaign in Chidambaram, that EPS openly courted the VCK and left parties, pointing to their treatment in the ruling coalition. 'Despite being allies of the ruling party, DMK is not even allowing them to hoist their party flags nor hold their party meetings or conferences,' EPS said referring to VCK, CPI and CPI(M). He also wondered why they were still in the DMK alliance, enduring humiliation. 'We will lay a red carpet to the alliance parties,' EPS said. However, on 17 July, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan rejected the call stating that they are committed to the secular alliance formed under the leadership of DMK. 'We have made it very clear that VCK won't be part of any alliance which has BJP and PMK. EPS's attempt to destabilise us won't work,' Thirumavalavan told the reporters in Chennai. CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan criticised EPS' campaign and said, 'This is nothing but a desperate bid to protect himself and his ally BJP.' Political analysts like Priyan Srinivasan said that the AIADMK leader is losing political dignity by inviting anti-BJP parties. 'As a former Chief Minister and the opposition leader of the state, he should maintain a level of political decorum. Having BJP by his side and inviting all anti-BJP parties does not look good for him politically. It will not only make him uneasy, but also the BJP, which has joined the AIADMK alliance one year before the assembly elections,' Priyan Srinivasan said. However, when asked about the rejection of the DMK allies, EPS said in Cuddalore on 16 July that he was only referring to how they are being treated in the DMK alliance and did not invite them for an alliance. Subsequently, on 22 July, during his campaign in the Delta districts, EPS invited NTK and TVK to join his alliance against the ruling DMK. 'Only a united opposition can topple the Stalin government,' EPS said, while addressing the gathering in Delta districts. However, on 23 July, speaking to the reporters in Villupuram, NTK leader Seeman rejected the call stating that one corrupt party cannot be used to uproot another corrupt party. 'Fire cannot be doused with another fire. Water is needed to put out the fire and we are the water that will douse corruption,' Seeman told the reporters. Vijay's TVK, although not responding directly to EPS' call, posted on its official X handle that their leader would be the people's favourite chief ministerial candidate for the 2026 assembly elections. 'We will create history by delivering a massive victory in 2026 and make Thalapathy Vijay our CM candidate,' the post read. Also read: No coalition govt, alliance only for 2026 polls—EPS contradicts Amit Shah on AIADMK-BJP tie-up PMK, DMDK keep cards close to chest While DMK allies have clearly rejected EPS' call, former AIADMK allies, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) are yet to reveal their stand. On 15 July, while addressing the gathering in Neyveli, EPS said PMK was already in an alliance with the AIADMK. However, on 16 July, in their foundation day message, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss said that the party will be part of the coalition government formed after the 2026 assembly elections. 'PMK is not here to make any party to win the election and rule Tamil Nadu. We should also rule. Only when we are part of the government, will we be able to establish social justice,' he said in his foundation day message to party workers. Since Anbumani Ramadoss's statement came a day after EPS' call, it was assumed to be a demand from the PMK for a coalition government. When asked about it, EPS backtracked and clarified that it was his suggestion that PMK join the alliance. 'I made a statement that PMK might join the alliance. For now, PMK is not in the AIADMK alliance,' he said. When asked about the demand of the PMK, he said that they will think about it after the PMK joins the alliance. In 2021, PMK contested in as many as 23 seats as part of the AIADMK alliance and won in five seats. The DMDK, founded by actor turned politician Vijayakanth, a former ally of AIADMK in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, also kept EPS at arm's length. DMDK has said that the party will announce their stand on an alliance at their public meeting in Cuddalore in January 2026. Political analyst Priya Srinivasan noted that EPS' early push to unite the Opposition makes him appear desperate and weakens his position. 'Alliance is something that is meant to be formed just 50 to 60 days before the election. But, he forged an alliance with BJP a year before the election and called all the parties to join the election. Political parties still have time to weigh their options before joining an alliance. EPS' call for an alliance shows he is not confident of the existing alliance,' he said. Nevertheless, a former AIADMK minister told ThePrint that they forged an alliance with the BJP much earlier to blur the lines between the workers of both the parties. 'The intention was to overcome the differences between workers of both parties on the ground and to work together for the 2026 assembly election,' the former AIADMK minister said. However, political analyst P. Sigamani reiterated what other experts have said—the AIADMK is not getting the desired response because of their early alliance with the BJP. 'They wanted their cadre to work together. But, instead, it is creating more divisions among the workers because of EPS' call for alliance with multiple partners, including those who are traditionally against the national parties, especially BJP,' Sigamani said. On 22 July, EPS reiterated that the AIADMK-BJP alliance will continue intact and will win the election. 'I invite all the like minded parties to join the anti-DMK coalition,' he told the gathering in Thanjavur. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: Why EPS had a change of heart & greenlit AIADMK-BJP alliance talks ahead of Tamil Nadu polls
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
PM visit sets stage for AIADMK-BJP bonhomie
Trichy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit and road show planned in Trichy on Sunday have set the stage for cadres and functionaries of AIADMK and BJP to smoothen out ruffles, if any, and work together ahead of the 2026 state assembly election. As BJP cadres have been joining AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami's ongoing 'Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom' state-wide campaign, AIADMK has vouched to mobilise cadres for PM's road show scheduled on Sunday morning. Palaniswami met Modi at the Trichy airport on his arrival from Tuticorin. He was accompanied by former ministers S P Velumani, K P Munusamy, and Natham Viswanathan. Modi is scheduled to take part in a commemorative event to mark Rajendra Chola's birth anniversary and 1,000 years of the king's maritime expedition to southeast Asia at the ancient Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Ariyalur district. With the state poll less than a year away, the BJP has planned a rousing welcome for the PM. While a chopper will fly the PM from Trichy airport to Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, located about 110 km away, an 8km road show has been planned for the PM from the airport to the hotel where he will stay. "A reception point has been planned near Trichy corporation's main office with cadres from at least five BJP mandals greeting and welcoming the PM. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pegangsaan Dua: Unsold Sofas Prices May Surprise You (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo AIADMK will take part in the road show too," said BJP Trichy urban district secretary (media) Sadesh Parameswaran. Functionaries said the PM's road show will serve as a prelude to NDA's preparations for the assembly election and showcase the strength of the alliance. AIADMK has erected banners at multiple spots in Trichy to welcome the PM with portraits of former party supremo J Jayalalithaa and Palaniswami along with pictures of their party founder M G Ramachandran and party idealogue C N Annadurai. "They (BJP) are participating in our campaigns, so ideally, we (AIADMK) should reciprocate. Banners and party flags have been erected on the road show route to welcome our PM," said AIADMK Trichy urban district secretary J Srinivasan. "The bond between BJP and AIADMK is strengthening, and the roadshow will further improve it," said an AIADMK district level functionary.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
AIADMK a party with ISI logo: EPS
Pudukottai: AIADMK is a party with an 'ISI logo' and has the overwhelming support of the public, so it does not need to conduct campaigns like 'Oraniyil Tamil Nadu' or 'Ungaludan Stalin', said AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) in Pudukottai on Thursday. It was the first day of Makkalai Kaappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom campaign in the district, where he covered three of its six constituencies. Dismissing the DMK 's campaigns as mere fancy names, he said, "AIADMK need not go door-to-door because it is a party with the ISI symbol and enjoys people's support. DMK has lost the trust of the people and its core voter base. People must be cautious about sharing their phone numbers, as their personal details might be misused and subsequently have their houses looted," he said. "When Stalin was the opposition leader, he collected petitions from the people on the promise of solving them after coming to power. Then why this new initiative now? It's only to deceive the public," he alleged. On AIADMK's alliance with BJP, EPS said the ruling party and the chief minister are unable to digest the fact that the alliance headed by AIADMK will be a winning one in 2026. "In DMK, power is reserved for family members. But in AIADMK even C Vijaya Baskar can become chief minister," he said, pointing to the Viralimalai MLA and ex-health minister who accompanied him. EPS said the DMK govt was soft-pedalling Cauvery–Vaigai–Gundar river linking project for political reasons. "I laid the foundation stone for the project here in Pudukottai. AIADMK aimed to turn barren lands green to benefit farmers. But the DMK govt is not taking the project forward," he said. Listing schemes introduced by the AIADMK govt to support farmers, EPS said the DMK govt is not working in the best interests of the farming community. Before his address in Gandarvakkottai, EPS symbolically drove a tractor to drum up support among the farmer community. In each of his addresses in Gandarvakkottai, Alangudi and Aranthangi, the leader of opposition picked up a local issue of the constituency.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
A dam at Mekedatu will turn Cauvery delta in Tamil Nadu into a desert: EPS
The AIADMK general secretary and the Leader of Opposition, Edappadi said on Wednesday that the delta districts would turn into a desert if Karnataka builds a a dam across the Cauvery at Mekedatu. Campaigning at Orathanadu, he pointed out that for the last four days there were reports that the Karnataka Chief Minister and his colleagues were firm on pursuing their proposal to construct a dam at Mekedatu. They went on record that the project would be implemented once the Centre approves the detailed project report filed by that State in this regard. On the other hand, there was not even a murmur over this issue from the DMK which rules Tamil Nadu, he added and questioned what the 39 MPs elected from Tamil Nadu and the DMK party, which is a constituent of the I.N.D.I. Alliance, was doing. 'Why not the DMK take up this issue with the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi to ensure that the Congress Government in Karnataka drops the proposal,' he questioned. With regard to the accusation by the DMK on the alliance forged by the AIADMK, he said it was the same DMK and its alliance parties that claimed that an alliance with the BJP would fail, earlier. Stating that the AIADMK-BJP alliance was always a formidable and victorious combination, he said it would win around 210 seats and the AIADMK would form the government with a majority. Later, he addressed meetings at Pattukottai and Peravurani as part of his Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom campaign.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
‘People of Tamil Nadu expect only single-party rule in 2026'
Amid repeated assertions by BJP strategist and Union Home Minister Amit Shah that his party and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, constituents of the National Democratic Alliance, would form a coalition government in Tamil Nadu after the 2026 Assembly election, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday (July 21, 2025) said the people of Tamil Nadu expected only a 'single-party rule' in the State. 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 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.
