Will EPS Restart His Statewide Campaign from TN's Tiruvallur?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- EPS to restart campaign from Tiruvallur.
- Focus on anti-DMK sentiments.
- Key issues: inflation, corruption, law and order.
- Building alliances with PMK and others.
- 174 constituencies covered in the ongoing campaign.
Chennai, Nov 19 (NationPress) AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) is set to recommence his constituency-focused campaign towards the end of November, targeting either November 27 or 28, starting from Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu.
Party insiders revealed that the campaign schedule may be altered based on weather conditions as the northern districts continue to face sporadic rainfall.
EPS had halted his outreach efforts following the tragic Karur stampede incident that resulted in 41 fatalities.
As preparations for the campaign's revival advance, discussions regarding alliances are intensifying, especially between AIADMK and PMK.
Sources indicate that PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss expressed his desire to see EPS as the next Chief Minister during a recent hospital visit.
Associates of PMK have confirmed that informal discussions between the two parties are progressing positively.
An AIADMK member commented that the strained relationship between Ramadoss and his son Anbumani is an internal PMK issue, asserting that both leaders are inclined to support EPS in the forthcoming political contest.
Despite considering G.K. Vasan's Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) as a reliable ally, the overall NDA framework in Tamil Nadu remains dynamic.
Many parties are anticipated to finalize their alliance decisions only in January.
The DMDK has already stated it will disclose its position during its state conference in Cuddalore early next year.
Meanwhile, EPS's associates insist that he remains resolute that expelled figures, including former AIADMK coordinator O. Panneerselvam and AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran, will not be reinstated in the party.
At the same time, he aims to establish a robust anti-DMK coalition, keeping communication channels with potential partners open.
"EPS is not in a hurry. His focus is on consolidating anti-incumbency against the ruling DMK while gradually building momentum," remarked a senior AIADMK official.
EPS's campaign, titled 'Makkalai Kappom; Tamizhagathai Meetpom', initiated in Coimbatore in July, has already reached 174 Assembly constituencies.
This campaign has emphasized issues such as the decline in law and order, rising inflation, corruption, dynastic politics, and industrial stagnation. The next phase will highlight the "challenges faced by ordinary citizens," focusing on living conditions, essential services, and public safety.
EPS intends to cover the remaining constituencies in Tiruvallur, Chengalpet, Chennai, Erode, and Kanyakumari—two each day—until the statewide tour concludes.
In the meantime, the Madras High Court has granted the state government until Thursday to submit draft Standard Operating Procedures for regulating political rallies, with the case slated for hearing the following day.