எடப்பாடி பழனிசாமி கே

AIADMK general secretary and former Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami is contesting the 2026 Assembly elections from the Edappadi constituency in Salem district, seeking a sixth term from his political stronghold.

A veteran of multiple electoral battles, Palaniswami has represented Edappadi five times — 1989, 1991, 2011, 2016 and 2021 — firmly establishing the agrarian constituency as his bastion. His 2021 victory was particularly emphatic, with a record margin of over 93,000 votes.

Palaniswami’s political journey reflects a steady rise within the AIADMK, from a grassroots worker to the party’s top leadership. He first entered the Assembly in 1989 and later served as a Member of Parliament from Tiruchengode in 1998. His elevation to Chief Minister in 2017, following the death of J Jayalalithaa, marked a defining moment, bringing Edappadi into sharp political focus as his home turf.

In 2026, Palaniswami faces a triangular contest against DMK’s C Kasi and NTK’s Priyadharshini.

Leading the AIADMK’s campaign statewide, Palaniswami has positioned the election around issues such as governance, corruption, and opposition to what he describes as 'dynasty politics', sharpening his attacks on the ruling DMK. His campaign combines regional strength with a broader political narrative aimed at consolidating support across Tamil Nadu.

Candidate Info: Edappadi Palaniswami K is the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate contesting from Edappadi (General) Assembly constituency for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This male candidate is 72 years of age, according to the election affidavit submitted to the Election Commission of India.