AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami’s remarks have reinforced his uncompromising stance on leadership and party unity ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. By ruling out the return of expelled leaders O Panneerselvam and TTV Dhinakaran, EPS has made it clear that the party will not revisit past internal conflicts or risk divisions for the sake of electoral gains. His repeated emphasis on “self-respect” over power signals both a moral and strategic message: the AIADMK intends to preserve its identity and discipline even while navigating difficult political terrain.
EPS’s speech also drew upon memories of betrayal within the party, particularly during the turbulent period following Jayalalithaa’s death. His reference to the 2017 trust vote and the vandalism at the AIADMK headquarters was a reminder to cadres of the instability caused by OPS’s rebellion. Similarly, his mention of TTV Dhinakaran’s failed attempt to topple the government with 18 MLAs positioned him as a survivor of multiple crises, portraying himself as a leader who withstood both internal sabotage and external pressure. By framing these episodes as betrayals of Amma’s legacy, he has strengthened his narrative of being the true custodian of the party’s values.
At the same time, Palaniswami credited the BJP-led central government for protecting the AIADMK during its most vulnerable moment in 2017. This acknowledgment not only highlighted the party’s reliance on national support but also subtly justified the continuation of the AIADMK-BJP alliance despite criticism from the DMK. His reminder that the DMK too allied with the BJP in the past was intended to blunt attacks and portray current criticisms as politically opportunistic rather than principled.
EPS also reaffirmed his belief that the AIADMK is a cadre-driven party, not a family-controlled one. This declaration was both a rejection of dynastic politics and a reassurance to grassroots members that loyalty and commitment would remain the foundation of leadership. His warning that “betrayers” would be left stranded was as much a deterrent for potential dissenters as it was a reaffirmation of his control over the party machinery.
By invoking Jayalalithaa’s vision of a century-long flourishing AIADMK, EPS positioned himself as the rightful inheritor of her political mission. His personal narrative of rising from a grassroots worker to the party’s top post reinforced his image as a leader shaped by hard work and resilience rather than privilege. With his assertion that he is “firm, not afraid, and cannot be threatened,” EPS attempted to project strength and stability, qualities that he hopes will resonate with the cadre base and the wider electorate as the party moves closer to a crucial electoral battle.
Overall, Palaniswami’s message was one of consolidation, discipline, and defiance. It underscored his determination to close the chapter on factional politics and to focus instead on positioning AIADMK as a unified force against the DMK in 2026.
