Chennai: AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has made a bold declaration that his party will secure a resounding victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and form the government independently. This statement comes as a direct rebuttal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s repeated assertions about a potential BJP-AIADMK coalition government in the state.
During a press conference in Salem today, Palaniswami emphasized the AIADMK’s organizational strength and unity, stating, “We will win the 2026 elections with a huge margin and form the government on our own.” This marks a significant shift from the earlier position where both parties had hinted at a possible coalition government. The AIADMK leader’s firm stance sets the stage for an interesting political dynamic in the run-up to the elections.
Intensive Campaign Trail Kicks Off Across Tamil Nadu
Demonstrating his commitment to the solo victory claim, Palaniswami has launched an extensive two-phase campaign tour across Tamil Nadu. The first phase, which began on July 7, covers 33 constituencies in seven districts including Coimbatore, Villupuram, and Cuddalore, concluding on July 21. After a brief two-day break, the second phase will commence on July 24, targeting 36 constituencies in southern districts like Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Virudhunagar.
Meanwhile, the BJP is not sitting idle. The national party has initiated groundwork by setting up booth committees and planning district-level conferences, aiming to maximize its presence in the Tamil political landscape. This development creates an intriguing scenario where both potential allies are preparing separate strategies for the same election, leaving political observers speculating about possible last-minute alliances or a three-way contest involving the ruling DMK.
With about eight months remaining until the elections, Tamil Nadu’s political arena is heating up, promising one of the most closely watched state elections in recent years.