On July 9, 2025, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) electrified Coimbatore with his relentless campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, rallying supporters with sharp critiques of the DMK government. As part of his statewide tour, “Makkalai Kaappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom” (Let’s Protect People, Let’s Redeem Tamil Nadu), EPS took the stage in Puliyakulam, flanked by BJP ally Vanathi Srinivasan, to highlight what he described as the DMK’s “anti-people” rule.. His fiery speech targeted Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accusing the DMK of betraying Tamil Nadu’s trust with broken promises and misrule.
EPS didn’t hold back, slamming the DMK for allegedly misusing temple funds from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to build arts colleges, branding it a “planned conspiracy” against sacred institutions. “Doesn’t the government have money to build colleges?” he thundered, questioning why public education funds weren’t used instead. He contrasted this with AIADMK’s legacy, reminding the crowd of their robust funding for education during their rule. EPS’s sharp rhetoric resonated with supporters, who see him as a leader committed to Tamil Nadu’s cultural and economic welfare.
The campaign picked up additional momentum through AIADMK’s social media drive, prominently branded as “Bye-Bye Stalin!” Launched, the IT wing’s animated video went viral, spotlighting DMK’s failures like hiking taxes and electricity tariffs, scrapping AIADMK’s welfare schemes such as free laptops for students, and neglecting law and order issues, highlighted by the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy that claimed more than 60 lives. EPS also commended BJP’s Vanathi Srinivasan for “puncturing” the DMK in the Assembly, portraying the AIADMK-BJP alliance as a strong, united front determined to unseat Stalin’s government.
Meanwhile, EPS slammed Stalin’s DMK for failing to deliver on its 2021 election promises, including scrapping NEET and waiving education loans, accusing the party of misleading the public with empty assurances. making ‘fake promises’ to deceive voters. He accused the DMK of dynastic politics and corruption, claiming ministers secure posts through bribes and elections through “looted money.” EPS’s bold vow to revive corruption cases against DMK leaders if elected underscored his resolve to hold them accountable.
As EPS tours Tamil Nadu, his campaign is a clarion call to reclaim the state from what he terms an “evil government.” With Coimbatore as AIADMK’s fortress, EPS’s fiery rhetoric and strategic alliance with the BJP signal a fierce battle ahead. Stalin’s flustered responses, EPS noted, betray DMK’s fear of this growing wave. The 2026 elections are shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown, with EPS casting the AIADMK as Tamil Nadu’s savior, determined to challenge what he describes as the DMK’s misgovernance.
Also Read:AIADMK’s Campaign Launch: Palaniswami Ignites Tamil Nadu with a Vision for 2026
