Minister Adhav alleges EPS is acting as DMK’s ‘general secretary’

Allegations made in Coimbatore

Minister Adhav on Tuesday alleged that AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) is effectively running the DMK’s campaign, claiming that the political field has shifted to a point where “Stalin is the DMK leader and EPS is its general secretary.”

Criticism over personal attacks

According to Adhav, EPS has been making personal remarks and criticisms about Chief Minister Vijay’s private life. He alleged that such messaging mirrors the kind of campaign the DMK has historically run, and said EPS is now amplifying it.

Claims of erosion within AIADMK

Adhav further claimed that the AIADMK is no longer the party founded by MGR and safeguarded by Jayalalithaa, citing the exit of O. Panneerselvam and the distancing of several leaders from the Kongu region, including Velumani and Thangamani. He also alleged that Jayalalithaa loyalists have largely left the party.

Allegations about party control and assets

The minister alleged that only EPS and his son Mithun remain central in the party, and claimed Mithun is effectively steering it. He also alleged that DMK and AIADMK cadres are cross-campaigning in different places, and claimed both parties have aligned with an eye on AIADMK trust assets worth thousands of crores—an allegation he said the public, including women in the Kongu region, would reject.