On July 17, 2025, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), General Secretary of AIADMK, continued his dynamic campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. His statewide tour, Makkalai Kaappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom (Protect the People, Revive Tamil Nadu), has energized supporters as AIADMK aims to reclaim power from the DMK. Yesterday’s events highlighted EPS’s leadership, party milestones, and vision for Tamil Nadu.
EPS’s campaign, part of the Puratchi Thamizharin Ezhuchi Payanam (Revolutionary Tamilians’ Journey of Rise), began on July 7 in Coimbatore, covering eight districts, including Villupuram and Cuddalore. On July 17, EPS addressed a public rally, likely in a key constituency, as part of the campaign’s first phase, ending July 23 in Pattukottai. His speeches criticized the DMK’s governance, focusing on issues like law and order, women’s safety, and rising drug problems, while promising to restore AIADMK’s welfare-driven legacy.
Since J. Jayalalithaa’s passing in 2016, EPS has revitalized AIADMK through key achievements:
Unified Leadership: EPS solidified his role as General Secretary in 2022, resolving factional disputes and gaining Election Commission recognition in 2023.
Youth Engagement: In January 2025, EPS launched the AIADMK Young Generation Sports Wing to connect with younger voters.
Infrastructure Growth: On February 10, 2025, EPS inaugurated a new AIADMK office in New Delhi, named Puratchi Thalaivar M.G.R. – Puratchi Thalaivi Amma Maaligai.
New Branding: A new party logo, unveiled on July 5, 2025, with the two leaves and the slogan Protecting People, Redeeming Tamil Nadu, has boosted cadre morale.
On July 17, EPS likely reiterated his core messages:
DMK Critique: He accused the DMK of burdening citizens with taxes and failing on promises, vowing to “remove this evil government.”
Unity Call: EPS urged alliances with like-minded parties but asserted AIADMK’s leadership, positioning himself as the Chief Ministerial candidate.
Vision: He promised to revive welfare schemes like the M.G.R. Nutritious Meal Programme and introduce new initiatives for the poor, farmers, and students.
Facing three consecutive electoral losses, EPS is navigating a competitive landscape with the DMK, Vijay’s TVK, and a fragile BJP alliance. His insistence on forming a single-party government underlines AIADMK’s Dravidian roots. As EPS prepares for the campaign’s second phase on July 24 in Pudukkottai, his grassroots approach and focus on anti-incumbency could reshape Tamil Nadu’s political narrative for 2026.
