How Did EPS Celebrate the Public's Support for His Campaign?

Chennai, July 20 (NationPress) AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) expressed gratitude to the citizens of Tamil Nadu for their enthusiastic participation in his statewide initiative ‘Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom’ ("Let us protect the people, let us reclaim Tamil Nadu"), which commenced on July 7 from Mettupalayam in Coimbatore.

Since the inception of the campaign, EPS claims to have engaged with 1.25 million individuals across 31 constituencies in eight districts, personally connecting with constituents from diverse backgrounds – including fishermen, farmers, weavers, entrepreneurs, youth, unemployed graduates, members of residents’ welfare associations, merchants, women’s self-help groups, doctors, and students.

During these interactions, EPS noted that participants voiced comprehensive grievances and highlighted what he termed the “failure model” of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s DMK government over its 52-month tenure, citing alleged policies detrimental to the public.

He remarked that residents continually inquired, “When will you return as Chief Minister so we can finally get relief?” This sentiment indicates strong voter discontent with the current administration.

EPS expressed confidence that the campaign will gain momentum in the upcoming days, ultimately paving the way for an AIADMK victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.

At the launch event, he labeled the ruling DMK as “anti-people,” distinctly accusing them of hindering schemes initiated during AIADMK’s administration and reducing welfare benefits.

In his recent public addresses, EPS has also explored wider electoral strategies: he extended an invitation to other anti-DMK factions, including actor Vijay’s TVK, to unite under his banner, asserting that “only a united opposition can topple the Stalin government.”

His statements were reinforced by BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran and Union Minister L. Murugan, who joined him at the Coimbatore launch.

Moreover, CPI leaders have characterized the campaign as an effort to solidify EPS’s leadership in AIADMK while aligning with BJP, with CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan claiming the campaign aims to “protect himself” amid concerns regarding AIADMK’s partnership with BJP.

Meanwhile, G.K. Vasan of the Tamil Manila Congress commended the EPS campaign as revitalizing, stating that its momentum is already aiding in uniting anti-DMK forces.

As EPS’s campaign moves into its second phase, concluding on July 21 in Thanjavur, it remains to be seen whether this political endeavor can genuinely dismantle the perceived “failure model” and restore AIADMK to power in 2026.