In a fiery address to party workers in Thirukovilur, AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami predicted a crushing defeat for the ruling DMK in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Responding to Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s recent jibe that the AIADMK would need an “ICU admission,” Palaniswami retorted that it is the DMK that will be “sent in an ambulance” by the people, signaling the end of its rule in the state. The sharp exchange has escalated political tensions in Tamil Nadu, setting the stage for a heated electoral battle.

The war of words erupted after Palaniswami accused the DMK of orchestrating disruptions at his statewide rallies by “deliberately” sending ambulances to interfere with his events, claiming such incidents occurred at least 30 times. At a recent rally in Anaicut, Vellore district, AIADMK cadres clashed with an ambulance driver attempting to pass through the gathering, sparking controversy. State Health Minister Ma Subramanian criticized the AIADMK for obstructing the ambulance’s passage, accusing the opposition of disregarding public welfare.

Palaniswami, undeterred, used the Thirukovilur event on September 8 to rally his supporters, hoisting the AIADMK flag and distributing welfare aids to bolster the party’s image. “The people of Tamil Nadu are fed up with the DMK’s misrule and corruption,” he declared, vowing that the AIADMK would reclaim power by addressing the state’s pressing issues. He accused the DMK of failing to deliver on promises of development and good governance, resonating with growing public discontent over rising costs and unemployment.

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As the 2026 elections approach, the AIADMK is intensifying its campaign to challenge the DMK’s dominance, leveraging Palaniswami’s grassroots appeal and organizational strength. Political analysts see this escalating rhetoric as a preview of a fiercely contested election, with both parties vying to sway Tamil Nadu’s voters. For now, Palaniswami’s bold prediction of sending the DMK “in an ambulance” has ignited a fierce debate, raising the stakes in this high-octane political showdown.

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