On July 10, 2025, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) electrified Villupuram, Vikravandi, and Tindivanam with his dynamic “Makkalai Kaappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom” (Let’s Protect People, Let’s Redeem Tamil Nadu) campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Addressing enthusiastic supporters, EPS, celebrated as a true son of the soil, exposed Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s DMK government as a regime of empty promises and mismanagement, rallying voters to restore AIADMK’s legacy of progress.
EPS fiercely criticized Stalin’s failure to deliver on 2021 election pledges, such as scrapping NEET and waiving education loans, labeling them “hollow assurances” meant to mislead Tamil Nadu’s people. He slammed the DMK for allegedly diverting temple funds from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to construct colleges, asking, “Why plunder sacred resources when education budgets are available?” EPS highlighted AIADMK’s record, noting their establishment of 21 polytechnics, 7 law colleges, 11 medical colleges, 5 agricultural colleges, and 4 engineering colleges, showcasing their commitment to education.
AIADMK’s social media campaign, “Adios Stalin,” gained traction online, exposing DMK’s failures like soaring taxes, increased electricity tariffs, and the scrapping of AIADMK’s welfare initiatives, including free laptops for students. The campaign also spotlighted the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, attributing over 60 deaths to DMK’s lax governance. EPS commended his BJP ally, Vanathi Srinivasan, for her sharp critiques of DMK in the Assembly, cementing the AIADMK-BJP alliance as a formidable force against Stalin’s rule.
Mocking Stalin’s “Ungaludan Stalin” (Stalin with You) campaign as a superficial publicity stunt, EPS accused the DMK of dynastic politics and corruption, claiming ministers secure positions through bribes and elections with ill-gotten wealth. He promised to revive corruption cases against DMK leaders if AIADMK regains power, ensuring justice for Tamil Nadu. EPS’s farmer roots resonated deeply, as he declared, “I know the toil of the land and the struggles of our people.”
With a new AIADMK song and logo unveiled, EPS’s campaign is a powerful call to action. His relentless tour and scathing DMK critiques position AIADMK as Tamil Nadu’s beacon of hope against a “corrupt regime.” As the 2026 elections approach, EPS’s momentum signals a fierce fight to reclaim the state from DMK’s alleged betrayal and incompetence.
