Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026: EPS Launches Chennai Campaign in Style of Jayalalithaa The AIADMK's campaign for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 kicked off in Chennai with a strong show of support, echoing the iconic style of former chief minister Jayalalithaa. Edappadi K Palaniswami, known as EPS, began his campaign in Mylapore, a district historically significant to the party, by visiting the Kapaleeswarar temple. The event drew crowds of women dressed in colorful sarees, who lined the streets carrying flower offerings, a tradition associated with Jayalalithaa's campaigns. Party worker Priya praised EPS's approach, stating, "EPS campaigns exactly like Amma (Jayalalithaa). It is super. He should win." The campaign launch was deliberately timed for 4 PM, an auspicious hour according to an astrologer, further aligning with Jayalalithaa's legacy. EPS delivered his speech from the roof of a van, a tactic reminiscent of her public appearances, while addressing key issues such as corruption, women's safety, and law-and-order. He criticized the ruling DMK for its alleged mismanagement, stating, "DMK's situation is pitiable. Three days ago, our allies met at our headquarters and announced the seat distribution. AIADMK's manifesto was released the next day." This election marks a critical moment for EPS, who is leading the AIADMK into its first state assembly polls as party head. Since Jayalalithaa's death in 2016, the party has faced three consecutive defeats, including the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the 2021 Assembly polls. Despite snapping ties with the BJP ahead of the 2024 elections, the AIADMK has revived the alliance for this year's contest. The political landscape is further complicated by the entry of actor-politician Vijay, who is making his electoral debut, creating a five-cornered race.#aiadmk #jayalalithaa #eps #mylapore #kapaleeswarar_temple
