AIADMK’s Palaniswami Dismisses DMK’s ‘Disinformation Campaign’ as NDA Finalizes Seat-Sharing Deal

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of orchestrating a “disinformation campaign” regarding recent visits by National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders to New Delhi, characterizing the coalition as an “emotional alliance” focused on election strategy.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai on Monday after announcing the NDA’s seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Palaniswami defended the Delhi visits as necessary consultations for electoral planning and “exchange of views.” He claimed that Stalin, whom he described as sensing an impending “poll defeat,” was deliberately spreading “false information in a pre-planned manner.”

“The distribution of seats has been carried out swiftly within our alliance,” Palaniswami stated, drawing a sharp contrast with the ruling DMK coalition. He pointed out that negotiations between the DMK and Congress had dragged on for over 20 days, and that agreements with other allies like the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) remained unfinalized.

The AIADMK leader also highlighted what he perceived as hypocrisy in the DMK’s alliance with the Congress, noting that DMK leaders who often speak about suffering during the Emergency and facing cases under the now-repealed Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA)—legislation introduced by the Congress party—had nevertheless formed an electoral partnership with the same party.

When questioned about AMMK founder T.T.V. Dhinakaran’s recent visit to AIADMK headquarters after a nine-year absence—significant because Dhinakaran once served as the AIADMK’s deputy general secretary before the party split—Palaniswami responded curtly, asking, “What is your problem?” He assured that NDA leaders would “not allow any problem” to emerge within their coalition.

The press conference marks a significant moment in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape as parties finalize their alliances ahead of the state Assembly elections. The AIADMK-led NDA is positioning itself as a unified front against the ruling DMK coalition, with Palaniswami expressing confidence that his party would secure a majority independently and form the next government.

Political analysts note that the swift finalization of seat-sharing arrangements within the NDA could give the alliance a head start in campaign coordination. The AIADMK, which lost power to the DMK in the 2021 Assembly elections after a decade-long rule, is eager to recapture its political dominance in the state.

The ongoing political maneuvering reflects the high stakes in Tamil Nadu, where regional parties traditionally hold significant sway. The AIADMK, following internal leadership struggles after the death of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, has worked to consolidate under Palaniswami’s leadership while building alliances with national and smaller regional parties.

For the DMK, which is currently enjoying its first term in power since 2011, maintaining cohesion within its own alliance will be crucial as it faces criticism from opposition leaders like Palaniswami who are highlighting apparent delays in their coalition-building process.

As the election campaign intensifies, political rhetoric is expected to sharpen further, with both major alliances vying to present themselves as the most unified and prepared to govern Tamil Nadu, a state known for its distinctive regional political identity and policy priorities.