Ahead of the high-stakes Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader and former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) spoke to HT on a host of crucial issues shaping the 2026 elections. Edited excerpts:
What mood do you feel on Earth?
I have been meeting people since July last year with the slogan “Let us protect the people. Let us save Tamil Nadu”. Everywhere I go, I can feel that people are disgusted with the current DMK rule in the state. I have personally seen the anger and anger of people affected by the chaos of the ruling party, the breakdown of law and order, murder, theft, rape, the situation where neither children nor the elderly feel safe walking on the streets, and skyrocketing prices. People are waiting for a revolution to occur at the push of a button in these elections.
Your alliance with the National Democratic Rally represents an important political decision. How do you think this alliance benefits Tamil Nadu?
We are united in our goal of eliminating hereditary and family politics that were rife in Tamil Nadu and also eliminating the chaotic and corrupt rule of the evil DMK. It is a fact that without the support of the central government, the social welfare schemes needed by the people of the state cannot be implemented. Therefore, we will meet the requirements and demands of the people by forming the NDA alliance in coordination with the BJP which runs the central government and parties that are concerned about the welfare of the nation. The people of Tamil Nadu are giving us great support.
What role will the AIADMK play in this alliance?
We allocated electoral districts based on the strength of each party. Everyone in our party has risen through the ranks based on hard work. AIADMK, BJP, PMK and AMMK contest under their respective party symbols. Other parties, including the TMC (Tamil Manila Congress), are competing under symbols of their choice. Unlike the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, we do not operate with an authoritarian mindset. We do not treat our coalition partners as subordinates, as MK Stalin does with his allies. People will clearly understand the difference between our alliance and the DMK alliance.
What do you see as the biggest gaps in the DMK government’s performance?
Of the 525 promises made by the DMK during the 2021 elections, even 20% of them were not fulfilled. However, they falsely claim that they achieved 90%. Over the past five years, Tamil Nadu government revenue has increased exponentially. A country that has accumulated debt $5 lakh crore over 73 years, has witnessed reckless spending over the last five years. The Prime Minister has burdened every citizen of Tamil Nadu with a debt of his own $1.25 lakh.
I have repeatedly criticized the DMK for being a hereditary regime. But in Tamil Nadu, whether Karunanidhi, Jayalalithaa, or now MK Stalin, has it not always been politics based on individual character that determines electoral success?
Individual leadership is different from politics. As for the succession policy, it is different. Revolutionary leader MGR did not enter politics as a blood relative of any political leader. The revolutionary leader was also Amma himself. But Mr. MK Stalin is not like that. He grew up under his father M Karunanidhi. He was deliberately appointed as a political leader by M Karunanidhi. If Mr. Stalin had joined any other party than Karunanidhi’s, he would not have even become the branch secretary. Just as his father elevated him within the party without any success, Stalin did the same with his son Udhyanidhi by elevating him to the post of Deputy Prime Minister. This kind of attitude does not exist within the AIADMK. Everyone here has risen through hard work alone.
The National Democratic Rally is pushing the idea of a “dual-engine” government. In a country that has historically resisted central government dominance, will a close alliance with New Delhi help, or hurt the AIADMK politically?
No matter what lies within the state government administration, only if states work in tandem with the central government can they move forward with their welfare schemes unhindered. There have been allegations that the DMK government, over the last five years, acted on a ‘collect, assign and corrupt’ model and earned thousands of crores through corruption. They resort to deliberate confrontations with the union government to divert attention from the cases brought against them. As a result, it is the people of Tamil Nadu who are affected and suffering.
NEET remains a major political issue in Tamil Nadu. Given another chance, how would your government handle this differently?
We will continue to find a legal solution for NEET exam. Congress and DMK, who are responsible for introducing NEET exam across India, should apologize to the people of Tamil Nadu. I believe that 7.5% internal reservation in Tamil Nadu will continue to be maintained so that students from poor families and even those belonging to the middle class, especially those studying in government schools, are not affected by the NEET entrance test.
Are you worried that the anti-DMK vote may split in this election as newcomers like Vijay try to disrupt the bilateral contest?
All votes against the evil DMK and its anti-people regime will go to the AIADMK, which works for the welfare of the people. If anyone enters the fray dreaming of dividing the anti-DMK votes and thus benefiting the DMK, his dream will be defeated. Such a dream is just a daytime dream.
What are the party’s three most important priorities in the first year of government?
Good governance is our ultimate goal. Our leader Amma (Jayalalithaa) had previously ensured corruption-free administration and introduced many welfare schemes for the people of Tamil Nadu. Under the AIADMK administration, law and order will be strictly maintained and the circulation of narcotic substances will be controlled. Strict action will be taken against those involved in crimes against women. Women and the elderly will receive financial assistance. Students and youth will receive support for education and employment. Immediate steps will be taken to implement our election manifesto, including disbursement of funds $10,000 monthly assistance per family.
