In a politically charged meeting that could shape Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on September 17, 2025. The closed-door discussion, lasting nearly 25 minutes, focused on two key issues: a formal demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on freedom fighter Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, and a firm reminder to the BJP leadership to respect EPS’s authority within the AIADMK as alliance negotiations intensify ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
EPS, accompanied by senior AIADMK leaders including S.P. Velumani, K.P. Munusamy, and M. Thambidurai, submitted a petition urging the government to posthumously honor Thevar with India’s highest civilian award. The move is seen as both a tribute to a revered icon of the Mukkulathor community and a strategic effort to consolidate caste-based support in southern Tamil Nadu.
Key Highlights from the EPS–Amit Shah Meeting
| Discussion Point | Summary |
|---|---|
| Bharat Ratna for Thevar | Formal petition submitted; EPS emphasized Thevar’s role in national liberation and social reform |
| Leadership Assertion | EPS warned against re-inducting expelled leaders like OPS, Sasikala, and TTV Dhinakaran |
| Alliance Strategy | Reaffirmed AIADMK-BJP partnership; cautioned BJP against internal interference |
| Corruption Cases | Requested expedited action on TASMAC liquor scam, sand mining, and drug-related cases against DMK |
| Political Messaging | EPS positioned as undisputed CM face for NDA in Tamil Nadu |
EPS’s message was clear: any attempt to dilute his leadership or entertain dissident voices would jeopardize the alliance’s cohesion and electoral prospects.
Bharat Ratna Demand: Honoring Thevar’s Legacy
Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, born in 1908, was a freedom fighter, social reformer, and close associate of Subhas Chandra Bose. His contributions to the Temple Entry Movement and repeal of the Criminal Tribes Act have earned him enduring reverence, especially among the Mukkulathor community.
| Thevar’s Contributions | Impact |
|---|---|
| Temple Entry Movement (1939) | Enabled Dalit access to temples |
| Criminal Tribes Act Repeal (1946) | Restored dignity to marginalized groups |
| All India Forward Bloc Leadership | Strengthened nationalist politics in Tamil Nadu |
| Cultural Legacy | Thevar Jayanthi celebrated annually on October 30 |
EPS’s push for the Bharat Ratna is both a symbolic gesture and a tactical move to reclaim ground lost in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where AIADMK’s support among Mukkulathors reportedly dipped.
Leadership Reminder: EPS Draws Red Lines
The meeting also served as a platform for EPS to assert his leadership amid growing speculation that the BJP is considering rapprochement with expelled AIADMK leaders.
| Expelled Leader | Status |
|---|---|
| O. Panneerselvam (OPS) | Expelled in 2022; rumored return |
| V.K. Sasikala | Expelled in 2017; maintains influence in southern districts |
| T.T.V. Dhinakaran | Expelled in 2017; heads AMMK, open to alliance talks |
EPS reportedly told Shah that any move to reintegrate these leaders would fracture the party and alienate loyal cadres. He emphasized that the AIADMK rank-and-file stands firmly behind him, and that the BJP must respect internal decisions to preserve alliance stability.
BJP’s Position and Alliance Dynamics
The BJP, under its new Tamil Nadu unit chief Nainar Nagendran, has expressed openness to negotiating with expelled leaders to broaden its support base. However, EPS’s hardline stance has complicated these efforts.
| BJP Strategy Element | EPS Response |
|---|---|
| Re-induction of expelled leaders | Strong opposition |
| CM face for NDA in Tamil Nadu | EPS reaffirmed as sole candidate |
| Alliance expansion | Welcomed, but not at cost of internal unity |
EPS’s message to Shah was unequivocal: “Betrayers will be isolated. Even God will not forgive them.”
AIADMK’s Internal Cohesion and Public Messaging
Despite internal murmurs following the expulsion of veteran leader K.A. Sengottaiyan, EPS has maintained a tight grip on the party. His recent statements and disciplinary actions signal a zero-tolerance approach to dissent.
| Internal Challenge | EPS Action |
|---|---|
| Sengottaiyan’s call for unity | Expelled |
| Dhinakaran’s conditional return | Rejected |
| OPS’s overtures | Ignored |
EPS’s leadership style has drawn both criticism and praise, but his ability to maintain party discipline is seen as crucial for the AIADMK’s electoral readiness.
Strategic Implications Ahead of 2026 Elections
The EPS–Amit Shah meeting is expected to influence alliance negotiations, candidate selection, and campaign strategy in the run-up to the 2026 polls.
| Strategic Area | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| Caste Consolidation | Bharat Ratna demand to galvanize Mukkulathor support |
| Alliance Stability | BJP likely to defer to EPS on internal matters |
| Anti-DMK Narrative | Focus on corruption cases and governance failures |
| CM Face Projection | EPS to lead NDA campaign in Tamil Nadu |
The AIADMK-BJP alliance, re-formed in April 2025, is banking on a unified front to counter the DMK’s dominance and capitalize on anti-incumbency.
Conclusion: EPS Stakes His Claim, Sets the Tone
Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s meeting with Amit Shah was more than a courtesy call—it was a strategic assertion of leadership, legacy, and loyalty. By demanding the Bharat Ratna for Thevar and drawing clear boundaries around party leadership, EPS has positioned himself as the indispensable face of the AIADMK-BJP alliance in Tamil Nadu.
As the state gears up for a fiercely contested election, the political chessboard is being reset—with EPS making the first decisive move.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available political statements, verified news reports, and party sources. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political advice or endorsement. All developments are subject to change based on official announcements and electoral dynamics.
