AIADMK candidates have been left demoralised by post-election opinion polls that largely project an advantage for the DMK, according to senior party functionaries.
They said the party initially believed a high turnout of around 85% in the Assembly election reflected public dissatisfaction with the DMK government and would translate into an AIADMK win. However, after reviewing turnout patterns a few days later, leaders felt the usual rise in vote percentage was not seen this time.
Even so, the party leadership had sought to reassure cadres by claiming that votes from Scheduled Castes and minorities—considered part of the DMK’s core base—had shifted towards the TVK, improving AIADMK’s prospects. The mood changed after most post-poll surveys indicated a DMK edge, with some suggesting AIADMK could win fewer seats than in the previous election.
With several candidates said to be under stress and seeking clarity from senior leaders about the surveys, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami issued a statement asking them not to trust opinion polls. He also called candidates individually, telling them to stay confident and intensify preparations for vote counting.
