AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s sharp attack on actor-turned-politician Vijay has triggered intense political debate across Tamil Nadu. While EPS claims that Vijay is deliberately targeting AIADMK, political analysts argue that this confrontation reflects growing fear within the party rather than confidence. Vijay’s entry into active politics and the expanding influence of TVK have clearly disturbed the existing power structure.
For years, AIADMK has struggled to recover from leadership vacuum, internal divisions, and poor strategic planning. Under EPS’s leadership, the party has failed to rebuild strong alliances or present a compelling alternative vision to voters. Instead of addressing cadre dissatisfaction and voter fatigue, EPS has chosen to focus on attacking emerging rivals, a move widely viewed as defensive and reactionary.
Vijay’s political appeal lies in his emotional connect with youth, first-time voters, and disillusioned supporters of traditional parties. Large crowds, social media traction, and consistent messaging have strengthened TVK’s presence across constituencies. This rising momentum has reportedly caused unease within AIADMK’s district units, where cadres fear losing relevance and electoral ground.
Internal sources suggest that AIADMK risks losing several constituencies if the current political trend continues. The possibility of a TVK-led third front threatens to fracture vote banks, especially in regions where AIADMK’s margins were already thin. Many party workers believe that EPS’s rigid leadership style and delayed decisions have weakened negotiation power and damaged alliance prospects.
Critics within AIADMK openly describe EPS’s recent decisions as some of the worst in the party’s history. Centralised control, sidelining of senior leaders, and lack of ideological clarity have eroded trust at the grassroots level. Instead of strengthening the organisation, confrontational politics has further exposed internal cracks and leadership fatigue.
As Vijay continues to consolidate his political identity, AIADMK faces a defining moment. Political observers warn that unless EPS initiates serious course correction, leadership reform, and reconnects with public sentiment, the party’s decline may accelerate. Attacking Vijay may offer temporary headlines, but it will not erase the long-term consequences of strategic failures and lost public confidence.
