Asserting that his party will remain supportive of minorities as always, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, during his election campaign at Mettupalayam on Thursday (April 16, 2026), sought to drive home the point that political alliance between AIADMK and the BJP does not necessarily mean cohesion of ideologies. The DMK, which is now accusing the AIADMK of allying with a “communal” force has itself allied with the BJP in the past, and does its alliance with Congress or the Communist parties now mean that their ideologies are linked, Mr. Palaniswami questioned.

It was pointless for Mr. Stalin to describe the election to the State Assembly as a fight between Tamil Nadu and the Centre. Mr. Stalin seems oblivious to the fact that Mr. Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister for the entire country, Mr. Palaniswami said

The primary purpose of the AIADMK-led NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu was to unseat the “corrupt” DMK government, which has failed “miserably” on the law and order front that has a bearing on development. Even aged women were not safe in the DMK regime. The decline in law and order situation was the reason why industries were reluctant to invest in Tamil Nadu, Mr. Palaniswami said.

Blaming the situation on free availability of narcotic substances, Mr. Palaniswami said the future AIADMK government will eradicate ganja entirely within three months after assuming charge. While the AIADMK was keen on the uplift of the poor through direct bank transfer of ₹10,000 for family card holders, the DMK government has come up with the coupon system to fill the coffers of Mr. Stalin’s family through commission.

The AIADMK will initiate and execute the second phase of Athikadavu Avinashi project, he said, calling upon the electorate to ensure comprehensive victory of the six contestants present on the stage: BJP candidates Union Minister L. Murugan (Avinashi reserved) and M. Bhojarajan (The Nilgiris) of BJP; and AIADMK candidates P.R.G. Arunkumar (Kavundampalayam), O.K. Chinnaraj (Mettupalayam), Shanthi A. Ramu (Coonoor) and Pon. Jayaseelan (Gudalur).

Later in the day, Mr. Palaniswami campaigned in Palladam for NDA candidates in Tiruppur district.