The political scene in Tamil Nadu is heating up as the 2026 Assembly elections approach. The main question on everyone’s mind: Can Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) and the BJP’s new campaign strategy defeat Chief Minister MK Stalin and the ruling DMK? Let’s break down what’s happening, what the people are saying, and whether this strategy might work.
EPS and AIADMK: A New Beginning?
EPS, the General Secretary of the AIADMK, has launched a massive statewide campaign, starting from Mettupalayam in Coimbatore—an AIADMK stronghold. His campaign slogan, “Protecting People and Redeeming Tamil Nadu,” is aimed at reviving the party’s fortunes after a string of defeats since the passing of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
His strategy includes:
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Covering all 234 assembly constituencies with rallies and outreach programs.
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Focusing on local issues like infrastructure, jobs, and women’s safety.
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Highlighting statewide problems such as law and order, drug abuse, price rises, and what he calls “DMK’s unfulfilled promises”.
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Using digital tools, social media, and a new mobile app to connect with voters, especially the youth and first-time voters.
EPS is also trying to rebuild the party’s grassroots network, energizing booth-level workers and reaching out to women’s groups and young people who felt left out during the party’s recent internal conflicts.
BJP: Strengthening the Alliance
The BJP, meanwhile, is working closely with the AIADMK. They are holding zonal conferences across Tamil Nadu to train booth-level workers and coordinate with AIADMK cadres. Their message is clear: the DMK government must go in 2026.
Senior BJP leaders are urging workers to highlight the achievements of the Modi government, especially pro-farmer schemes, youth policies, and infrastructure projects. The BJP believes that by combining its organizational strength with AIADMK’s local network, they can take on the DMK.
The Challenge: Can They Win Over Voters?
Despite the energy and planning, there are big challenges:
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AIADMK’s recent history: The party has lost three major elections in a row. Internal rifts and leadership struggles have weakened its base.
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Alliance chemistry: Many political observers feel the AIADMK-BJP alliance lacks real chemistry. Some AIADMK supporters worry the BJP is trying to grow at their expense, and the partnership feels “unnatural” to them.
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Vijay’s entry: Actor Vijay’s new party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has stirred excitement, especially among young and first-time voters. He has ruled out alliances with BJP and, by extension, AIADMK, positioning himself as a fresh alternative.
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DMK’s strong base: The DMK, under Stalin, is running a huge membership drive and remains popular in many regions. They are seen as a stable force, and their alliance is still strong.
What Are People Saying?
On the ground, opinions are mixed:
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Some AIADMK supporters are hopeful, seeing EPS’s campaign as a fresh start and a chance to bring back the “golden era” of Jayalalithaa.
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Others remain skeptical, pointing to the lack of a clear new vision and the uneasy relationship with the BJP.
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Many young voters are watching Vijay’s moves closely, seeing him as a possible game-changer.
Will the Strategy Work?
The success of EPS and BJP’s strategy depends on several factors:
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Can EPS rebuild trust and enthusiasm among AIADMK supporters?
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Will the BJP-AIADMK alliance convince voters it can offer a real alternative to the DMK?
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How much impact will Vijay have? If he draws away enough anti-DMK votes, it could split the opposition and help the DMK.
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Will voters respond to the AIADMK’s focus on local issues and their promise to “redeem” Tamil Nadu?
In summary: The EPS-BJP alliance is making a strong, early push with a well-organized campaign. But the road ahead is tough. They must overcome internal divisions, convince skeptical voters, and compete with both the DMK’s strong organization and Vijay’s rising popularity. The answer to whether their strategy will work against Stalin and the DMK will only become clear as the campaign unfolds and voters make up their minds.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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