Paromita Das
New Delhi, 10th July: As Tamil Nadu inches closer to the 2026 Assembly elections, the state’s political theatre is witnessing the stirrings of a major realignment. At the heart of this lies a resurgent AIADMK under the determined leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). His recent statewide campaign, launched from Mettupalayam — a bastion of AIADMK’s old strength — is more than just a routine roadshow. It signals a deeper political gamble: forging a bigger alliance with BJP and positioning AIADMK as the pivot of a broad opposition front.
Reclaiming Lost Ground, Rebuilding Lost Pride
Since its 2019 electoral setbacks, the AIADMK has appeared fragmented, bruised by infighting and overshadowed by the DMK’s energetic rule. EPS knows this better than anyone. His decision to launch this campaign from the party’s traditional stronghold is both symbolic and strategic — a pledge to loyalists that the AIADMK’s old network can still deliver when it counts.
EPS’s announcement that the AIADMK-BJP alliance will grow “significantly” in the coming months is not mere rhetoric. Behind closed doors, the party machinery is reportedly in overdrive, trying to stitch together smaller regional outfits, fence-sitting independents, and disillusioned leaders into a formidable bloc under the AIADMK banner. This is not just about numbers; it’s about crafting a narrative — that the AIADMK is still the natural nucleus of opposition politics in Tamil Nadu.
Positioning Against DMK’s Twin Claims
EPS is not pulling any punches in his attack on the ruling DMK either. By dismissing DMK’s welfare schemes as “mythical” and “half-hearted,” he is attempting to puncture the carefully crafted image that Stalin’s government has built. More cuttingly, EPS has turned the Tamil identity narrative — long DMK’s strongest pitch — on its head. By pointing to DMK’s alliance with the Congress, which carries the baggage of the historical language imposition issue, EPS seeks to remind voters of old wounds and contradictions.
This rhetorical offensive is designed to reframe the debate: Is DMK truly the sole guardian of Tamil pride? Or has it compromised for the sake of power? In a state where identity politics runs deep, these questions can reshape electoral calculations.
Grassroots Connect: The Yatra’s Real Message
Beyond alliances and attacks, EPS’s yatra — his state-wide outreach — is the clearest sign that AIADMK intends to reclaim its street-level connect. By promising to meet people directly, EPS is acknowledging a truth every Tamil Nadu politician knows well: mass connect beats air-conditioned strategy rooms. His confidence that the crowds turning out for him are proof that the people “want AIADMK back” might sound like an old campaign line, but in a state where voter mood swings fast, it’s a bet he’s willing to stake his legacy on.
A Calculated Nod to Vijay
Interestingly, EPS’s measured words on actor Vijay’s political debut show his instinct for pragmatism. Unlike others who might dismiss a star entrant outright, EPS offered a diplomatic blessing — “It’s his wish… it’s good if he wants to serve.” It’s subtle positioning: acknowledging Vijay’s charisma but reminding voters that politics is a long game that demands roots, experience, and a tested cadre. It’s a calm but clear signal that the AIADMK isn’t about to be rattled by a new face — not yet.
Realignment or Rehash?
Whether this bigger alliance with BJP will truly shift the dial in 2026 remains to be seen. Some critics argue that AIADMK risks losing its regional sheen by leaning too heavily on the national ruling party’s brand. After all, Tamil Nadu has historically resisted overt central influence, fiercely guarding its federal autonomy. But supporters say the party has no other realistic route back to power without expanding its base — and the BJP’s resources and organizational muscle are hard to ignore.
EPS is betting that voters are ready to forgive past splits and see AIADMK as a stable, reliable force against the DMK’s perceived complacency. The big question is whether the smaller parties he hopes to rope in will trust him enough to stand under his umbrella — and whether the BJP will stay content as a junior partner.
A High-Stakes Gamble in Motion
As the battle lines for 2026 get drawn, EPS’s bigger alliance strategy with the BJP is both a risk and a necessity. It reflects the AIADMK’s urgent need to reinvent itself while projecting an image of continuity and strength. The yatra, the sharp attacks on DMK, the cautious embrace of emerging players like Vijay — it’s all part of a calculated plan to reassert the party’s relevance.
Only time — and the Tamil voter — will tell if this gamble will pay off. But one thing is certain: the road to Fort St. George is wide open, and EPS is determined to lead his party down that road with more allies than ever.
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