Chennai, Mar 25:
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Tuesday released its first list of 23 candidates for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, fielding several senior leaders and former ministers in key constituencies.
Party General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami will contest from his stronghold Edappadi, signalling the partyās intent to mount a strong challenge against the ruling DMK.
The list features prominent names across the State, including former ministers R.B. Udhayakumar (Tirumangalam), K.P. Munusamy (Veppanahalli), Natham Viswanathan (Natham), D. Jayakumar (Royapuram), C.V. Shanmugam (Mayilam), S.P. Velumani (Thondamuthur), P. Thangamani (Kumarapalayam), Sellur K. Raju (Madurai West), O.S. Manian (Vedaranyam), C. Vijayabaskaran (Viralimalai), K.P. Anbalagan (Palacode), and Kadambur R. Raju (Kovilpatti). Party treasurer Dindigul Srinivasan has been fielded from Dindigul.
The early announcement is seen as a strategic move to energise party cadres and gain momentum ahead of the polls. By prioritising experienced leaders and loyalists in winnable constituencies, the AIADMK aims to consolidate its base and strengthen its organisational network across districts.
The AIADMK is expected to release further lists in the coming days as the State gears up for the crucial 234-seat Assembly election.