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Updated Mar 25, 2026 · 21:46
Tamil Nadu News Updated Mar 25, 2026

AIADMK's Palaniswami Predicts NDA Landslide, Slams DMK's "Pathetic" State

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has expressed strong confidence that the AIADMK-led NDA alliance will secure over 210 seats and form the next government in Tamil Nadu. He launched a sharp critique against the ruling DMK, labeling its condition as "pathetic" and accusing it of being a family-driven party that has failed to deliver on governance. Palaniswami highlighted past welfare schemes under AIADMK icons MGR and Jayalalithaa while claiming the DMK merely puts stickers on their initiatives. The state is set for a single-phase election on April 23, with a potential three-way contest involving actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

Tamil Nadu Polls: EPS says "AIADMK-led NDA alliance will win 210 seats"

Chennai, March 25

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticised Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, saying that the condition of the DMK is "pathetic."

He also expressed confidence that the AIADMK-led NDA alliance would win more than 210 seats and form a government with a clear majority.

"We have already met people in 193 constituencies and sought votes, which gave us a huge victory. Today, after the election date announcement, I am very happy to meet you for the first time in Mylapore. With God's blessings, the AIADMK-led NDA alliance will win 210 seats and form a government with a clear majority. The condition of the DMK today is pathetic. Three days ago, we invited our alliance partners to our party office and announced seat allocations. The next day, we released our election manifesto. Since our manifesto benefits the people, everyone is praising us..." Edappadi K Palaniswami said.

He further accused the DMK of failing to deliver on governance promises, saying it is a "family party driven by dynastic politics."

"What has the DMK government done for people in 5 years? Only suffering. DMK is a family party driven by dynastic politics. MGR founded AIADMK to defeat the evil force called DMK. Under MGR and Amma's rule, many welfare schemes uplifted the poor, and their governance became a model for other states. AIADMK continues on their path. What has the DMK done for Chennai in 5 years? Not even a small effort. They are merely putting stickers on AIADMK schemes. Stormwater drainage was introduced during Amma's tenure--2400 km completed, with phases 1 and 2 done under AIADMK. Phases 3 and 4 under DMK are still incomplete," he added.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.

The main electoral contest is expected between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which also includes Congress, DMDK, and the VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by AIADMK with the BJP and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to make his electoral debut with TVK, attempting to turn the upcoming elections into a three-way contest.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Priya S

As a Chennai resident, I agree about the stormwater drainage! The flooding last year was terrible. Work has been so slow. Whether it's AIADMK or DMK, we just need a government that completes projects on time. 🤞

Rohit P

Interesting to see Vijay's TVK entering the fray. A three-way contest could split votes in unpredictable ways. EPS's 210-seat claim might be to motivate his cadre, but the math looks tough with a strong third front.

Meera T

Both parties are throwing mud. Instead of just criticizing each other's 5-year terms, they should present a clear vision for the next 5. The manifesto is a start, but implementation is key. Tamil Nadu needs stability and growth.

Aryan P

The NDA alliance at the center helping AIADMK might be a factor. But Tamil Nadu has always valued its regional identity. The BJP factor in the alliance could be a double-edged sword. EPS is a strong leader, but so is Stalin. It will be a close fight.

Kavitha C

MGR and Amma's legacy is powerful, no doubt. Their schemes helped my family directly. But we cannot live in the past forever. What is AIADMK's new plan for youth employment and industrial growth? That's what will decide my vote.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Reader Voices

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