AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) has strongly hinted that actor Vijay's newly formed political outfit, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), could be the latest addition to the AIADMK-led alliance ahead of the 2026 elections. Addressing a rally in Komarapalayam, Namakkal district, Palaniswami appeared delighted after spotting TVK's yellow-maroon flags among the crowd, calling it an encouraging start.
"The AIADMK will forge a formidable alliance for the 2026 elections. Look there. Look at those flags flying; they have put pillayar suzhi (initiated the move)," Palaniswami declared, pointing directly at the TVK flags.
This marks the second occasion in a week that TVK flags have appeared at an EPS rally, which the AIADMK interprets as a clear signal that the actor’s supporters favour an alliance with the party.
Palaniswami used the platform to attack the ruling party, adding, "Stalin, listen to the roar of the people of Komarapalayam, it will pierce through your ears. Your dream of returning to power will be shattered. Listen to the people."
The AIADMK has become increasingly vocal in its support for actor Vijay and its criticism of the Dravida Munntra Kazhagam government since the tragic stampede at a TVK rally in Karur. This move is seen as an attempt by the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munntra Kazhagam) to reassert the notion that only the two major Dravidian parties are competent to compete against one another.
Palaniswami publicly defended Vijay, stating it was unfair to question his absence among the stampede victims, arguing that no one knew what the actor was experiencing privately. The AIADMK has been actively inviting Vijay to join its alliance to mount a spirited challenge against the DMK in 2026, driven by the belief that Vijay could draw a significant chunk of the anti-DMK and anti-government vote. Both the AIADMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party have been actively courting him.
Palaniswami’s latest comments also come amidst speculation that he personally telephoned Vijay to invite him to join the alliance.
Despite the overtures, TVK has not publicly responded to Palaniswami's comments. However, party sources told the media that the AIADMK General Secretary was capitalising on the silence from the actor’s camp.
"We don’t want to keep commenting on statements made by leaders of other political parties. We are clear we don’t want to ally with any major parties for the 2026 elections. Anyway, elections are seven months away," said a senior party source.
Meanwhile, some accounts affiliated with TVK on X have suggested that the flags were being used by AIADMK members themselves to create the false impression that Vijay’s party desired an alliance. Prassana, an active promoter of TVK on X, wrote: “Thank you for your support with regard to the Karur incident. Nowhere will you see people wearing AIADMK t-shirts holding TVK flags.”
Sources indicated that a senior BJP leader, who played a role in bringing the AIADMK into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), had already conveyed the party's support to Vijay's inner circle. This assurance followed a conversation between Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and Vijay on September 28, in which Gandhi offered condolences to the victims' families.
Also read: EPS should live 100 yrs, lead AIADMK: Udhayanidhi
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