AIADMK chief Palaniswami urges unity as party marks 55 years

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami urged party members to stay united as the party prepares to celebrate its 55th anniversary. In a four‑page letter he said the party is his lifeblood and the cadres are its heartbeat, and that his role depends entirely on their support. He noted that despite attempts by rivals and traitors over five decades, the party has pushed forward with strong cadre backing, defeating conspiracies. The AIADMK alliance collected more than 1.35 crore votes in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly poll and its candidates won 47 seats, showing lasting public strength even in a climate of glamour‑driven politics. Palaniswami warned that such style of politics is fragile and can collapse like a bubble, while the AIADMK, built on principles and sacrifice, endures. He accused the ruling TVK government of horse‑trading and weakening law and order, saying the authorities focus on undermining the party rather than solving people's problems. He emphasized that the movement stands for ideals, not just power. Palaniswami reminded cadres that they were shaped under the guidance of former chief ministers M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa, who faced many political battles. He recalled that MGR was driven out of the DMK by hostile forces after it was founded by C.N. Annadurai, and that AIADMK was formed in 1972 and first won office in 1977. ## Context The party’s call for solidarity comes ahead of upcoming electoral cycles, and its historic vote share highlights its continued relevance in Tamil Nadu politics.