AIADMK Will Form Government On Its Own

On the same day that BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Pudukottai that the BJP–AIADMK–led NDA would form the next government in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) gave a different message at a public rally in Salem on Sunday.

Speaking at a pre-election meeting in the Veerapandi Assembly constituency, Mr. Palaniswami did not openly support Amit Shah’s claim. Instead, the former Chief Minister said that the AIADMK would form the next government on its own after the Assembly elections to be held later this year.

The rally was part of his statewide campaign titled “Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom” (Let us protect the people, let us redeem Tamil Nadu). Addressing party workers and supporters, Mr. Palaniswami said the AIADMK-led alliance, which includes the BJP, would win the Assembly elections with a big majority. However, he stressed that the AIADMK alone would lead the government.

He said the party would build a “strong alliance” to defeat the ruling DMK, but made it clear that AIADMK would remain the main force and would take charge of governance. His statement highlighted the party’s aim to project itself as an independent and strong alternative in Tamil Nadu politics, even while continuing its alliance with the BJP.

Mr. Palaniswami’s remarks are seen as an effort to reassure AIADMK supporters that the party’s leadership and identity will remain firm ahead of the crucial Assembly elections.