Chennai, Dec 11 (NationPress) The AIADMK has declared its intention to welcome applications from party members interested in running for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala from December 15 to 23. General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), in an official announcement, stated that nomination forms will be available at the party headquarters starting at 12 noon on December 15, and will be issued daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the application window.

EPS emphasized that candidates need to personally collect the forms from the AIADMK headquarters, accurately complete all required information, and submit their applications within the specified timeframe.

The party leadership considers this procedure a vital step in gearing up for the 2026 Assembly elections, which they believe could herald a significant political resurgence.

Founded in 1972 by M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) following a split from the DMK, the AIADMK has quickly established itself as one of the most influential political entities in Tamil Nadu.

Under the leadership of MGR and subsequently J. Jayalalithaa, the party has long dominated state politics, implementing extensive welfare programs that have reinforced its popular support.

Its governance framework and electoral achievements have made it a formidable rival to the DMK within the state's two-party system.

However, after Jayalalithaa’s passing in 2016, the party has experienced a tumultuous period characterized by internal divisions, leadership struggles, and fluctuating alliances.

While EPS has managed to consolidate power and maintain the party as the principal opposition, it has encountered electoral challenges in the 2019 Lok Sabha, 2021 Assembly elections, and 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The DMK's reascendancy has necessitated a phase of organizational restructuring for the AIADMK. Recently, the party's leaders have intensified their efforts to rejuvenate its grassroots framework, develop a more focused anti-DMK narrative, and enhance its alliance strategies.

EPS has consistently claimed that the populace of Tamil Nadu is disillusioned with the DMK administration, asserting that the AIADMK-led coalition is poised for a decisive win in 2026.

During the AIADMK general council meeting held on Wednesday, EPS was named as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the AIADMK-BJP alliance. This renewed electoral initiative also coincides with the emergence of actor Vijay's TVK as a potential disruptor in the political landscape.

In this context, the commencement of nominations from December 15 to 23 signals the AIADMK's determination to field capable candidates and regain its momentum as it prepares for a critical electoral face-off across three regions.