EPS Signals AIADMK Bid for Power as Tamil Nadu Political Deadlock Deepens

Chennai, May 2026 : Edappadi K. Palaniswami has reportedly told party legislators that the AIADMK would eventually form the next government in Tamil Nadu, adding a new twist to the ongoing political uncertainty in the state following the Assembly election results.

The remarks by Palaniswami, popularly known as EPS, come amid intense political activity and speculation over possible realignments as no party has yet managed to secure the numbers required to form a stable government in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Tamil Nadu has witnessed an unprecedented political stalemate after the recently concluded elections, with the state seeing one of its most uncertain post-poll scenarios in decades. Though C. Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, it has so far failed to cross the majority mark required to stake a clear claim to power.

Against this backdrop, the AIADMK leadership has moved its legislators to a luxury resort in neighbouring Puducherry amid reports of intense political negotiations and concerns over possible poaching attempts by rival political camps.

According to party sources, Palaniswami met AIADMK MLAs at the resort late on Thursday night and held extensive discussions on the evolving political situation in Tamil Nadu. During the meeting, he was reportedly elected leader of the AIADMK Legislature Party, with MLAs submitting signed letters endorsing his leadership.

Sources indicated that EPS sought to reassure party legislators and urged them to remain patient during the ongoing political uncertainty. He reportedly told the MLAs that “good things will happen” and expressed confidence that the AIADMK would ultimately form the next government in the state.

Out of the AIADMK’s 47 MLAs, nearly 28 are currently staying at the Puducherry resort. Sources also claimed that S. Kamaraj, who was elected as an AMMK legislator, is staying with the AIADMK camp.

Reports suggest that the resort accommodation has been booked for the next seven days and legislators have allegedly been instructed not to leave the premises without prior approval from the party leadership.

Meanwhile, political activity intensified in Chennai as M.K. Stalin chaired a meeting of the DMK Legislature Party. The meeting reportedly passed four major resolutions, including one strongly criticising the Congress party for extending support to the TVK despite having contested the elections as part of the DMK-led alliance.

The DMK leadership also authorised Stalin to take “urgent political decisions” aimed at ensuring the formation of what the party described as a “stable government” in Tamil Nadu. The resolution also stressed the need to avoid pushing the state towards another election.

Political observers believe the developments indicate growing uncertainty and rapidly shifting equations among the major political parties in the state. The Governor’s reported position has further fuelled speculation regarding possible alliance formations and back-channel negotiations.

According to reports, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has conveyed that any party or alliance capable of demonstrating majority support in the Assembly would be invited to form the government.

At the same time, speculation continues over possible alternative political arrangements involving major regional parties. Reports have also suggested that TVK legislators may consider mass resignations if any unexpected alliance between the DMK and AIADMK were to emerge.

With political negotiations continuing behind closed doors and no clear resolution yet in sight, Tamil Nadu remains gripped by uncertainty as parties explore every possible option to secure power and prevent fresh elections in the state.