AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on Wednesday asserted that the AIADMK-led alliance will emerge stronger and secure a resounding victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.Addressing a massive rally at Kumarapalayam in Namakkal district as part of his statewide “Save People, Retrieve Tamil Nadu” campaign, EPS described the DMK alliance as a “paper tiger” and accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of “building castles in the air” about retaining power through a fragile and opportunistic coalition.
Declaring that the countdown for the DMK government had begun, EPS said, “Look there! Look at those flags flying — the ‘Pillayar Suzhi’ has been drawn!” referring to the flags of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) seen among the crowd.
The term “Pillayar Suzhi” — literally translating to Lord Ganesha’s curl or circle — is a sacred Tamil symbol representing auspicious beginnings and invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha, regarded as the remover of obstacles.
“Stalin, listen to the roar of the people of Kumarapalayam — it will pierce through your ears. All your pipe dreams will be shattered,” EPS thundered, drawing loud applause from supporters.
Touching upon the Karur stampede tragedy, EPS lashed out at the DMK government for politicizing the issue. He questioned the impartiality of the inquiry being conducted by a one-man commission, stating that even senior police officials, including the ADGP, had issued public statements while the probe was still underway.
“When the police themselves are under suspicion, they cannot investigate their own failures,” EPS argued, reiterating the AIADMK’s demand for a CBI inquiry into the tragic incident that claimed 41 lives during actor Vijay’s political rally.
Reaffirming his party’s confidence, Palaniswami concluded that the people of Tamil Nadu are ready for change, and that the AIADMK-led alliance will return to power with the people’s overwhelming mandate.