Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said the DMK has “lost its strength” and that AIADMK can return to winning ways if it functions as a constructive opposition against the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government.
Palaniswami visited the AIADMK headquarters at Royapettah on Saturday morning, his first visit since the Assembly election. He held discussions with executives from the combined Kancheepuram district and sought feedback on why the party lost in all four constituencies in the district.
According to some executives, they told him that in the final week of campaigning, Vijay surged ahead through social media and media outreach, and that the party underestimated him. They also said it was a mistake for AIADMK to have taken a stand in support of Vijay in the “Karur issue.”
In his remarks, Palaniswami said TVK’s victory was driven by social media campaigning, but argued that it would not be sufficient to sustain governance. He alleged that crimes against women have increased since the government took office and claimed the administration is struggling to prevent power cuts.
He further said the DMK’s strength earlier came from alliances, and claimed it is now standing alone without such support, while AIADMK’s alliance remains strong. He urged party functionaries to work unitedly, give more opportunities to youth, and identify and encourage those active on social media.
Separately, party circles noted that unlike earlier occasions, several Chennai district secretaries did not turn up to receive him at the headquarters, with only Adhirajaram present. Rumours circulated within AIADMK circles that some absentees were in talks to join TVK.
