AIADMK’s Palaniswami Opens Door to Vijay’s TVK in Bid to Topple DMK in 2026
Palaniswami Opens Door to Vijay’s TVK
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami extended an olive branch to actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and other anti-DMK parties, urging them to join forces to oust the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Speaking at the launch of AIADMK’s election campaign logo—a raised fist with two leaves and the party flag—Palaniswami emphasized uniting like-minded parties to defeat the “anti-people” DMK.
“We welcome all parties, including TVK, that share our goal of sending the DMK packing,” Palaniswami told reporters when asked about a potential alliance with Vijay, whose TVK recently ruled out aligning with both DMK and BJP. “Their cooperation is essential to defeat this evil government,” he added, referring to the DMK-led administration under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Palaniswami, the former chief minister, reiterated AIADMK’s leadership of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, as previously endorsed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, positioning himself as the chief ministerial candidate. Responding to TVK’s projection of Vijay as its CM candidate, he called it “their party’s decision” but stressed the need for a united front against the DMK.
Also Read: Vijay Declared Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s CM Candidate for 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections
The AIADMK unveiled its 2026 election slogan, Makkalai Kaapom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom (Let’s protect the people, let’s redeem Tamil Nadu), signaling a combative campaign. Palaniswami will kick off a statewide tour on July 7 from Mettupalayam in Coimbatore, covering all 234 assembly constituencies to highlight the DMK’s “flaws and failures.” He expressed confidence in AIADMK’s return to power, framing the campaign as a mission to dismantle the “Stalin model” government.
The call for alliance comes amid TVK’s growing political presence, with Vijay’s appeal as a popular actor potentially reshaping Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape. As the 2026 polls approach, Palaniswami’s outreach underscores AIADMK’s strategy to consolidate opposition forces against the DMK’s dominance.
Also Read: Vijay Declared Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s CM Candidate for 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections
