EPS Confident of AIADMK Victory in Tamil Nadu Polls, Vows To Make State 'Drug-Free' in Three Months

Chennai: In an exclusive interview with Republic Media Network Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) expressed strong confidence that the AIADMK-led NDA alliance will sweep the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and form the government with a clear majority.

When asked if he believes the alliance will come to power this time, EPS replied firmly: “Very confident that we will win and come to power.” He went on to predict a massive victory, stating, “Out of 234, 210 constituencies will be won by the NDA and with single majority, ADMK will form the government.” Pressed further on whether he was certain, he asserted: “100% sure.”

EPS clarified that while the alliance with the BJP is in place, he believes the AIADMK can form the government on its own strength. “According to our belief, yes,” he said when asked if ADMK could govern without alliance support. However, he described the NDA as a “natural alliance” under ADMK leadership that people in Tamil Nadu accept, drawing a parallel with BJP’s governance at the Centre and ADMK’s potential rule in the state.

On the decision to ally with the BJP despite past electoral setbacks in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where both parties contested separately and drew a blank, EPS distinguished between national and state elections. He argued that an alliance in 2024 would have helped them win at least 20 seats. He noted that in the 2021 Assembly elections, ADMK had secured 75 seats, and recalled successful past alliances where they won over 99 seats together. “Alliance is all based on the election scenario of time,” he said.

Addressing questions about differences with the BJP on issues like NEET and the three-language policy, EPS drew a clear line between electoral alliances and core ideology. “An alliance is different, an ideology is different,” he explained. He reiterated ADMK’s commitment to the two-language policy, rooted in the legacy of MGR and J. Jayalalithaa, saying it would continue if they return to power. On NEET, he pointed out that it was implemented during the time when DMK and Congress were aligned at the Centre and asserted that ADMK had protested against it.

When asked whether the late J. Jayalalithaa would have approved of the current alliance with the BJP, given her history of both allying with and opposing the party, EPS reminded that in 1998 it was her decision to ally with the BJP. He added that alliances are situational and noted that even the DMK had allied with the BJP in the past, including in 1999 and 2001.

Core Campaign Issues: Drug Menace Tops the List

EPS identified the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly the rampant drug menace, as the top priority for voters.

“Today in TN, there is complete lawlessness. If you see drugs are everywhere and the drug menace is unspeakable,” he said, highlighting how ganja has affected youngsters and students.

He promised decisive action: “I promise that within 3 months after we come to power, we will make Tamil Nadu a drug-free state and the supply of Ganja will be stopped.”

He directly blamed the DMK government, alleging that criminals involved in drug peddling are often supported by DMK functionaries, and that the public fears threats when trying to complain. Citing police data from 2021 presented in the Assembly, he pointed to 2,340 people caught selling drugs near schools and colleges, with only 148 arrested, questioning why the rest were not acted upon.

“This only creates a huge doubt,” he said, implying links between the ruling party and the drug mafia.

Arnab Goswami pressed on whether this meant the Chief Minister and top DMK leaders were aware, and if an ADMK government would investigate them. EPS responded that every department falls under a Minister’s oversight, and if corruption or wrongdoing is found, “severe action will be taken.”

He referenced instances where the Enforcement Directorate (ED) provided proof on corruption but no action was taken by the state, noting that ADMK had even approached the court on the matter.

“Under ADMK, all departments will be investigated for corruption… if it is proven that they are accused, severe action will be taken,” he assured.

EPS also touched upon broader issues of corruption, law and order failures, and the need for good governance, positioning the ADMK-led alliance as the alternative to what he called a “corruption-filled” DMK government that is “not for the people of TN.”

Action Against Corruption

In the interview, EPS asserted that his party will take strong action against corruption, backed by concrete evidence from central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

EPS stated: "Whoever it is, action will be taken. With multiple departments, investigations should take place and give us the proof. Today, the ED has all the proof... We have moved the court and the judge ordered that the ED complaint should be taken into consideration immediately."

He emphasized that AIADMK will act against everyone involved in corruption, regardless of position.

Countering DMK's Dravidian Model Claims

When asked about DMK's "Dravidian model" and "Dravidian 2.0," including language policy and cultural identity, and Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks calling AIADMK "BJP’s slave," EPS highlighted the ruling party's track record over the last five years.

He pointed out that while DMK focused on "corruption, collection and commission," along with a rise in sexual abuse and POCSO cases, AIADMK's previous tenure delivered governance without major law and order issues. EPS reminded that the historical language issue originated during Congress rule, with whom DMK continues to ally, questioning the consistency in DMK's Dravidian narrative.

He defended AIADMK's roots, noting that icons like MGR and Jayalalithaa were proud Dravidian leaders, and the party is ready to counter any allegations from its 10 years in power.

On Centre-State Relations and Delimitation

Addressing DMK's allegations that the BJP-led Centre is "anti-Tamil Nadu," denies funds, and that delimitation would reduce the state's seats, EPS dismissed these as election-time rumours.

He cited Home Minister Amit Shah's assurance that delimitation will be fair with "not even a micro level of damage" to Tamil Nadu. EPS noted that state elections are underway, not Lok Sabha polls, and accused DMK of deflecting from its failures by blaming the Centre.

He contrasted this with AIADMK's achievements: securing major central-backed projects like the ₹63,000 crore Chennai Metro Rail, upgraded National Highways, harbour developments, new railway lines, and airports in Trichy and Thoothukudi, with Coimbatore set for international status. EPS added that even during DMK's time in central alliances (including with leaders like P. Chidambaram as Finance Minister), the state saw no significant development pushes.

Freebies, Funds, and Governance Capability

On funding ambitious welfare promises, including ₹2,000 monthly support and two-wheeler subsidies, EPS expressed confidence based on past performance. He recalled that AIADMK fulfilled similar promises in 2016 and, during the 2019-2020 COVID crisis, with virtually no revenue from TASMAC, GST, or road tax, managed ₹40,000 crore in expenses effectively.

In contrast, he said DMK made over 525 promises but fulfilled less than a quarter. EPS assured that by increasing state income, AIADMK will deliver on its commitments without solely relying on central support.

Addressing Corruption Allegations Against AIADMK

Arnab questioned whether AIADMK is entirely clean, citing cases against ministers, TASMAC expansion during its rule, and allegations in roadways and sand mining. EPS firmly rejected the charges as politically motivated.

He noted that cases against him and his ministers were either withdrawn or resulted in court clearance, with one highway corruption case explicitly declaring him uninvolved. Meanwhile, he alleged DMK leaders are seeking delays in their own cases, and recent ED findings point to corruption in municipal water works under the current regime. "Our ministers have fought the cases and proven clean," he said.

On TVK and Actor Vijay's Challenge

Regarding actor Vijay's Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) contesting all 234 seats and calling both DMK and BJP enemies, EPS viewed it as a new party whose real strength will be tested in this election.

He differentiated it from MGR's entry: MGR had years of political experience, served as DMK's general secretary, campaigned extensively, won as MLA multiple times, and built a strong organization before forming AIADMK and becoming CM. 

"Just with the crowd... it cannot be decided their political win," EPS remarked, suggesting one election will reveal TVK's vote share.

Succession in AIADMK

In response to who is EPS's "number 2" (contrasted with DMK's clear Udhayanidhi Stalin succession), EPS gave a principled reply quoting Jayalalithaa: "After me, 100 years the party will continue." He said the next leader will be chosen by party cadres, just as he was elevated to general secretary, emphasizing democratic internal processes over dynastic lines. “This is ADMK’s stance. But DMK’s future… only people will decide.”

The interview comes at a critical time as Tamil Nadu gears up for the Assembly elections scheduled for April 2026. With seat-sharing discussions ongoing in the NDA (AIADMK leading the alliance), EPS’s bold predictions and sharp focus on the drug crisis and governance signal an aggressive campaign to regain power after the 2021 defeat. Whether the alliance can translate past vote shares and current anti-incumbency sentiments into the sweeping victory he envisions remains to be seen, but the AIADMK chief appeared unequivocal in his confidence.

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