AIADMK, BJP leaders express confidence of strong showing in southern districts

Senior leaders of the AIADMK and BJP in Madurai on Thursday expressed confidence of a strong performance of the NDA in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, particularly in the southern districts, citing anti-incumbency against the ruling DMK and improved alliance cohesion.

Madurai-based senior AIADMK leader R. B. Udhayakumar told The Hindu the party was hopeful of winning at least 40 of the 58 Assembly seats in the southern region and forming the government on its own. He alleged the DMK was facing internal dissent across districts from Theni to Kanniyakumari, and claimed both the public and sections of the party’s cadre were dissatisfied with the government.

Mr. Udhayakumar, who has been fielded from the Thirumangalam constituency, said in Madurai’s 10 Assembly segments alone, the AIADMK stood a strong chance of winning at least seven seats. He added the early release of the party’s first list of 23 candidates by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami reflected organisational unity and indicated a growing mood for change among voters.

Highlighting local issues in Madurai city, he referred to allegations of corruption involving Madurai Corporation authorities regarding property tax collection, delays in key projects such as the Periyar bus stand shopping complex, and complaints related to the Mullaperiyar drinking water scheme. These, he said, had contributed to voter dissatisfaction. He assured pending projects would be prioritised if the party returned to power.

Echoing similar views, AIADMK leader Sellur K. Raju, who is contesting from the Madurai West constituency, expressed confidence of a decisive victory. He criticised Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, alleging several promises made by the DMK government remained unfulfilled, and accused it of failing to curb the spread of narcotics.

BJP state general secretary Raama Srinivasan said the NDA, led by the AIADMK, was poised for a landslide victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. He claimed public dissatisfaction with the DMK government was widespread and alleged that its schemes had largely failed to benefit ordinary people.

He added that votes which were split during the previous Lok Sabha elections had now consolidated, with parties such as the BJP and AMMK aligning with the AIADMK. The support of other allies, including the PMK, would further strengthen the alliance, he said.

Rejecting claims that minorities would not support the NDA, Mr. Srinivasan said voters recognised the benefits of cooperation between the State and Union governments. He also criticised the DMK for failing to deliver on key issues such as NEET and industrial development in southern districts.

Meanwhile, a large number of AIADMK cadres gathered at Madurai airport on Thursday to welcome sitting MLA V.V. Rajan Chellappa, who has been renominated from the Thiruparankundram constituency.