He declared with confidence that AIADMK would return to power in 2026 with a “100% clear majority.”
Palaniswami paid tribute to AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran, saying he established the party to eradicate “evil forces” like the DMK from Tamil Nadu.
He also recalled former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa’s legacy of peace, prosperity, and development, adding that she considered the people of India as her true heirs and guiding force.
Questioning the DMK’s criticism, EPS asked whether any faults existed during his tenure that the ruling party could point out. He praised AIADMK’s grassroots workers, whom he described as the backbone of every electoral battle the party has fought.
EPS highlighted the DMK’s electoral struggles over the years, recalling their mere two seats in 1991, the minority government in 2006, their inability to win a single Lok Sabha seat in 2014, and the failure to secure opposition status in 2011 despite M. Karunanidhi’s leadership. He emphasised that despite the “2021 conspiracy,” AIADMK’s alliances still managed to win 75 seats and secure victory in nine of the 22 by-elections.
Mocking the DMK government, Palaniswami alleged that the then-Chief Minister was unsure of his own majority. He confidently proclaimed that AIADMK would form the government alone in 2026 without depending on any coalition partners.
Palaniswami urged party functionaries to strengthen booth-level operations, calling them the decisive factor for a successful 2026 campaign. He insisted that discipline, unity, and clear communication with the public would be the party’s biggest assets in the coming months.
He also outlined AIADMK’s plan to aggressively counter DMK’s governance claims by showcasing achievements from his tenure, including infrastructure development, welfare measures, and administrative reforms. EPS stressed that the upcoming election would be a “battle of performance versus propaganda,” positioning AIADMK as the party with proven experience and stability.