AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami dismisses the importance of Vijay’s TVK in this election, calling it a direct fight between his party and DMK. In an interview, the former chief minister charges DMK leaders with prioritizing their family interests over public interest. Excerpts:How confident are you about AIADMK winning?The real contest is bipolar, between DMK, an evil force and pure people. AIADMK stands on the battlefield as the commander of the people’s army, which will triumph. True democracy will flourish under AIADMK.DMK brands NDA as “No Development Alliance”.It’s babble of the immature.How do you respond to Stalin’s accusation that you lack courage to speak out against BJP on the delimitation bill?Though Union home minister Amit Shah assured Parliament that neither the delimitation of constituencies nor any increase in the number of MPs would harm Tamil Nadu, Stalin acted with malice. Had the bill been supported, Tamil Nadu’s share of representation in Parliament would have risen from 7.18% to 7.23%.The 2026 campaign has turned into Tamil Nadu vs Delhi.Since he has no achievement to show, Stalin resorts to scare tactics about BJP. He believes that by fostering religious polarization and consolidating minority votes he can return to power. But he risks ending up like ‘aapasaitha kurangu’ (the monkey in a Tamil fable that causes its own downfall).DMK claims credit for TN’s 11.19% growth.The foundation laid during AIADMK govt’s 10-year rule is what is driving Tamil Nadu’s growth today. The govt’s revenue has more than doubled, but how much of the borrowed money has been spent on capital expenditure?Stalin has brought together a coalition of 21 parties.Those who have lost the people’s trust and support are now coming together. Everyone will bear the consequences of the mistakes made by DMK over the past five years.Your rivals say you are subservient to BJP.The people have not forgotten DMK and its leaders, who, despite sharing power in the Union govt since 1999, acted as subservient allies. They prioritized their family’s interests and failed to resolve critical issues such as Cauvery, Mullaperiyar, Katchatheevu, NEET, plight of Sri Lankan Tamils, disasters, and loss of agricultural land to projects such as hydrocarbon exploration.We maintained a harmonious relationship with Centre and found a solution to the Cauvery issue. We safeguarded the rights of govt school students in admissions to medical education, protected farmers of the delta by declaring the region a protected agricultural zone.Your opponents claim if you come to power, Delhi will rule Tamil Nadu.AIADMK is the only party to have ruled the state for 31 years. Unlike DMK, we did not fall at the feet of BJP or Congress at every available opportunity to loot. In Delhi’s political circles, DMK is derided as ‘Thirudarkal (thieves)’ Munnetra Kazhagam.What about allegations that Centre has denied TN its rightful funds?There are allegations that DMK has misappropriated funds allocated under Union govt schemes. Making sweeping statements that Centre has failed to release funds is political malice. While DMK opposes Centre’s three-language policy, several DMK members run schools where Hindi is taught. This includes institutions linked to Stalin’s family. AIADMK is committed to the two-language policy.How do you expect minorities to support AIADMK, given its inconsistent positions on CAA and Triple Talaq Bill – and the silence over FRCA Bill too?During my tenure as chief minister, I made it clear that Citizenship Amendment Act would have no adverse effect on Indian Muslims. Muslim women have welcomed triple talaq legislation. This is one of the reasons BJP got support of Muslims and formed govts in Bihar and Gujarat. FRCA Bill is a policy decision of the Union govt, and its impact on the public is yet to be assessed.Former CM O Panneerselvam says AIADMK may not survive after this election.DMK, which had faced repeated defeats and was unable to secure the status of main opposition in 2011, returned to power only in 2021. It is not surprising that OPS, who sought refuge in DMK after betraying the very party that elevated him, now speaks like this. He appears to have conveniently overlooked that he served as AIADMK’s coordinator during the party’s electoral setbacks.Is it true Vijay reached out to you for an alliance soon after he launched TVK?No. We did not approach anyone, nor did anyone approach us.How do you see Vijay’s electoral prospects in 2026?It will become clear only after people vote. I am not an astrologer.Why did you strike an alliance with AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran while choosing not to reinduct OPS and V K Sasikala?OPS was expelled from the party by general council. Sasikala has aligned with another party. We allied with AMMK to consolidate votes against DMK.Did you help reconcile PMK founder S Ramadoss and PMK president R Anbumani? Will it affect the AIADMK alliance?Unlike DMK, we do not have the habit of peeking through our neighbour’s window. I am confident that PMK’s internal issues will have no adverse impact on our alliance’s victory.You too have offered freebies.We have promised to provide certain goods free of cost to poor and middle-income families who use them in their daily lives but cannot afford them. We also know how to keep public debt under control.Why do you resort to personal attacks against Stalin, Udhayanidhi and Kanimozhi?DMK has a record of doing so. Throughout my public life, I have consistently spoken to everyone with respect. Since I assumed office in 2017, Stalin, Kanimozhi and Udhayanidhi have spoken about me in an offensive and vulgar manner, unable to accept that an ordinary farmer could rise to a high position. Mine are reactions.
