Will EPS Launch AIADMK Election Campaign from Coimbatore?

Chennai, June 21 (NationPress) With the political landscape heating up ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) is poised to kickstart his statewide campaign in Coimbatore during July or August, according to reliable sources.

As the ruling DMK and the BJP actively engage with voters, EPS’s initiative signifies a tactical move to reaffirm the AIADMK’s influence in the western segment of the state.

Palaniswami is set to hold a pivotal meeting with district secretaries and senior party officials on June 24 to finalize preparations at the grassroots level. The agenda will primarily revolve around bolstering booth-level committees and enhancing the party’s operational strategy.

Insiders indicate that AIADMK's campaign will aim to highlight the failings of the DMK government, including claims of corruption, administrative inefficiency, and a decline in law and order.

“The campaign will involve direct outreach, with rallies, padayatras, and roadshows planned as part of our strategy,” stated a party strategist.

In a complementary effort to strengthen its organizational framework, AIADMK district units are ramping up recruitment efforts, particularly focusing on youth and women. The Ilaignar Peravai (Youth Wing), Ilam Pengal Peravai (Young Women’s Wing), and the newly established Sports Wing are integral to these initiatives.

Prioritizing the inclusion of young, first-time campaigners in booth-level committees is also central to injecting fresh energy into the party’s ranks.

Meanwhile, the BJP is gearing up for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Tamil Nadu on July 8, during which he will address the party's newly appointed state functionaries.

State president Nainar Nagenthran has completed the list of vice-presidents, general secretaries, secretaries, and treasurers, which has been sent to the central leadership for approval.

Shah’s upcoming visit is viewed as a continuation of his focused engagement with Tamil Nadu, following three previous visits in the last four months to Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore.

“The minister has emphasized that he will closely observe the party’s performance in Tamil Nadu and aim to unseat the DMK government,” said a senior BJP leader.

As part of its internal restructuring, the BJP is also contemplating reducing its core committee to a 10-member team to streamline decision-making and enhance efficiency leading up to the elections.

Interestingly, Nagenthran, a former AIADMK minister, has reportedly been in discussions with several senior AIADMK leaders, suggesting possible future political realignments.

Insiders reveal that while the BJP’s alliance possibilities remain uncertain, groundwork is being laid for potential collaborations.

With both opposition parties intensifying their political engines, Tamil Nadu’s pre-election atmosphere is becoming increasingly charged, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in 2026.