Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), a veteran agriculturist and the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, is leading the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) into the 2026 state elections as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
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Born on May 12, 1954, in Anthiyur, Palaniswami has represented his home constituency of Edappadi in the Salem district for five terms, rising from a dedicated party cadre to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 2017 to 2021.
In the current election cycle, Palaniswami has centred his campaign on the slogan "Let’s protect the people. Let us save Tamil Nadu," accusing the ruling DMK of presiding over a breakdown in law and order and failing to fulfill over 80% of its 2021 campaign promises.
A staunch loyalist of the late Jayalalithaa, EPS has consolidated his hold over the AIADMK, positioning the party as a merit-based alternative to what he describes as the "hereditary and family politics" of the DMK.
{{/usCountry}}A staunch loyalist of the late Jayalalithaa, EPS has consolidated his hold over the AIADMK, positioning the party as a merit-based alternative to what he describes as the "hereditary and family politics" of the DMK.
{{/usCountry}}Also Read | Edapaddi Palaniswami: How a Jayalalithaa loyalist became Tamil Nadu CM
5 key facts about Edappadi K Palaniswami
- Early political foresight: EPS joined the AIADMK in the 1980s and was one of the few leaders with the foresight to back Jayalalithaa during the 1987 succession struggle following the death of party founder MG Ramachandran (MGR).
- Ministerial and executive experience: Before becoming Chief Minister, he served as the Minister for Highways and Minor Ports (2011-2016) and was a member of Jayalalithaa’s elite four-member cabinet known as the “Nalvar Ani”.
- Agricultural roots and assets: Self-identified as an agriculturist, Palaniswami has declared total assets worth approximately ₹6.7 crore in his recent filings, as per My Neta.
- 2026 election promises: If voted back to power, EPS has pledged to provide ₹10,000 monthly assistance for every family and has vowed to eliminate the circulation of narcotic substances while maintaining a legal fight regarding the NEET exam.
- "Strongman of Salem": Despite representing a region with significant political competition from other parties, EPS is often hailed as the "political strongman of Salem," having won the Edappadi seat consistently since 2011.
Voting for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections is taking place on April 23 while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.