The AIADMK has entered election mode for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, announcing plans for manifesto creation and candidate selection. A 10-member manifesto committee will embark on a statewide tour from January 7 to gather input from the public and various stakeholder groups. The tour, covering all zones and districts of the State, aims to develop a comprehensive and regionally relevant election manifesto.
The manifesto committee, led by Natham R. Viswanathan, comprises key party members including C. Ponnaiyan, Pollachi V. Jayaraman, D. Jayakumar, C. Ve. Shanmugham, S. Semmalai, P. Valarmathi, O.S. Manian, R.B. Udhayakumar, and S.S. Vaigai Selvan. The committee recently convened its first meeting at the party headquarters to outline the framework and schedule for the outreach programme. Committee members will engage with various groups such as farmers, traders, women’s organizations, and professionals to gather suggestions and policy inputs.
In parallel, the party will start interviewing potential candidates from January 9. The AIADMK has received a significant response, with 7,988 applications for Assembly tickets and 2,187 applications from party members endorsing Edappadi K. Palaniswami for candidacy. The party aims to position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling DMK through its manifesto, which will incorporate public feedback and suggestions.
The AIADMK’s manifesto committee, as announced by Palaniswami, will interact directly with the public to understand their concerns and aspirations, shaping the party’s vision for the upcoming polls. The party’s proactive approach to manifesto drafting and candidate selection indicates a strategic and determined stance as the primary Opposition party in Tamil Nadu.
