Is Palaniswami Set to Launch His Statewide Tour from Coimbatore on July 7?

Chennai, June 30 (NationPress) AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami is scheduled to commence his eagerly awaited statewide tour from Coimbatore on July 7, in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The initial phase of his journey, aptly named 'Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom (Let us protect the people and reclaim Tamil Nadu)', will wrap up on July 21 in Thanjavur.

Despite renewed discussions about potential post-election coalitions — ignited by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement suggesting a coalition government in Tamil Nadu for 2026 — Palaniswami remains undeterred and will launch the campaign in Coimbatore, a region known for the AIADMK's significant presence.

Throughout this tour, Palaniswami intends to visit all 234 Assembly constituencies in the state, aiming to garner support by emphasizing what he describes as the shortcomings of the DMK government.

As a precursor to this outreach, he has already made his first electoral vow to restore peace, prosperity, development, and the rights of Tamil Nadu, which he claims have been undermined by the DMK, should he be re-elected.

Although Palaniswami had initially proposed a statewide tour during the party’s general council meeting on December 15 last year, the visit faced delays.

After assessing the progress of strengthening AIADMK’s booth committees, he finalized the tour dates during recent meetings with party district secretaries on June 24 and 25.

In contrast, Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin has been actively touring districts to unveil completed projects and initiate new ones, along with hosting roadshows.

Actor Vijay, president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is expected to kick off his own statewide tour in August, starting from the Cauvery delta region, focusing on the farming community.

Recently, Palaniswami has ramped up his critiques of the DMK government, particularly regarding law and order issues. The AIADMK has also conducted protests across Tamil Nadu on several public issues.

In a related update, Palaniswami has made significant appointments within the party. Former MP T.G. Venkateshbabu has been designated as an organizing secretary. Former MLA Purasai V.S. Babu has been appointed as the North Chennai North (West) district secretary, taking over from Venkateshbabu. In Kanniyakumari, R. Jeyasudharshan will serve as the Kanniyakumari West district secretary, while D. John Thangam has been named an organizing secretary.