Chennai, May 1:
Edappadi K. Palaniswami, general secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, dismissing its response to exit polls as “drama” and asserting that such tactics would not be tolerated.
Reacting to the exit poll discourse following the recently concluded 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, Palaniswami alleged that the DMK, facing public discontent, was attempting to “capture power through the backdoor.” He claimed that the ruling party was resorting to misleading narratives amid growing dissatisfaction among voters.
Thanking voters for turning out in large numbers despite intense summer heat, the AIADMK leader expressed gratitude to party workers and alliance partners for their efforts during the campaign. He also acknowledged the support extended by leaders of allied parties in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) during the election process.
Palaniswami urged party cadres, counting agents and alliance representatives to remain vigilant during the vote counting scheduled for May 4. He stressed that every vote must be safeguarded to ensure that the people’s mandate is accurately reflected and not compromised.
Calling for strict monitoring at counting centres, he emphasised that party representatives must carry out their duties with utmost care and alertness to secure victory for AIADMK candidates and its allies. He described this responsibility as essential to upholding democratic values and ensuring that the electoral verdict is protected.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions following exit polls, which have intensified the war of words between major parties in the State ahead of the counting day.