On July 16, 2025, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), the General Secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), continued his statewide campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with a powerful speech in Cuddalore. This event marked a significant milestone in the party’s ongoing campaign, titled Makkalai Kaappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom (Let’s Protect the People, Revive Tamil Nadu), which began on July 7 in Coimbatore. Here’s a look at the key achievements, milestones, and highlights from EPS’s speech. 

Campaign Achievements and Milestones 

The AIADMK’s campaign has gained momentum since its launch, with EPS leading a 14-day Puratchi Thamizharin Ezhuchi Payanam (Revolutionary Tamilians’ Journey of Rise) padayatra covering eight districts in its first phase. By July 16, the campaign had already reached key constituencies in western Tamil Nadu, Villupuram, and Cuddalore, engaging thousands of party workers and the public. The campaign’s new logo, featuring the iconic two leaves, a raised fist, and the slogan Tamilagathai Kappom, Makkalai Meetpom, has resonated widely, symbolizing the party’s commitment to public welfare. 

EPS has focused on grassroots outreach, holding public meetings and interacting with local leaders to strengthen AIADMK’s presence. The campaign has successfully mobilized party cadres, with district secretaries and former MLAs actively participating, reinforcing the party’s organizational strength. Despite hurdles such as a shaky alliance with the BJP and rising competition from actor Vijay’s Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), EPS’s leadership has managed to keep AIADMK’s support base motivated—especially in the aftermath of the party’s poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. 

Key Points from EPS’s Speech in Cuddalore 

In his July 16 speech in Cuddalore, EPS reiterated AIADMK’s goal to oust the ruling DMK government in 2026, accusing it of failing to fulfill its 2021 election promises. He emphasized that the AIADMK-BJP alliance, along with potential new partners, would consolidate anti-DMK votes to secure a majority. Dismissing any rumours of a coalition government, EPS stated confidently, “Our alliance will succeed, but AIADMK will govern on its own. It is my decision, and I will be the Chief Minister.” This stance addressed recent comments by Union Home Minister Amit Shah about a possible coalition, clarifying AIADMK’s intent to lead solo. 

EPS criticized the DMK for burdening citizens with increased taxes and power tariffs while neglecting issues like law and order and women’s safety. He also pointed to the party’s longstanding contributions to Tamil Nadu’s educational landscape—having set up 21 polytechnic institutes, 7 law colleges, 11 medical colleges, 5 agricultural colleges, and 4 engineering colleges—as a testament to its dedication to development and public welfare. 

Looking Ahead 

EPS Achievements ’s campaign underscores AIADMK’s strategy to capitalize on anti-incumbency against the DMK while navigating a complex political landscape with the BJP alliance and TVK’s emergence. The second phase of the campaign, starting July 24 in Pudukkottai, will cover additional districts, aiming to further strengthen the party’s grassroots connect. With EPS leading with resolve and a defined roadmap, the AIADMK is gearing up to be a strong contender in the 2026 elections, striving to regain its standing as the most influential political force in Tamil Nadu.

Also read: AIADMK’s Campaign Launch: Palaniswami Ignites Tamil Nadu with a Vision for 2026

#AIADMK #puratchitamilar #byebyestalin