Edappadi K Palaniswami

Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly

Edappadi‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ K. Palaniswami is a top-tier leader of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). He was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the period 2017-2021 (7th in the line). He is the MLA of Edappadi and is credited for his emphasis on the development of the core and the upliftment of village people.

As of March 2026, he is contesting the Tamil Nadu Assembly election from the Edappadi constituency, continuing his active engagement in state politics and public affairs.

By Rashmi | Friday, April 24, 2026, 10:51:14 AM [IST]

Edappadi K Palaniswami - Campaign Schedule 2026

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

Edappadi K Palaniswami Biography

Edappadi, a small town in Salem district, is the birthplace of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader, Edappadi K. Palaniswami who hails from the Gounder community—a significant demographic within Tamil Nadu's political landscape, alongside the Thevars (or Mukkulathors).

Commencing Palaniswami's political journey in AIADMK in 1974, he swiftly ascended the party hierarchy. His electoral victories include four triumphs in the Edappadi constituency in 1989, 1991, 2011, and 2016, alongside a successful bid for the Tiruchengode Lok Sabha seat in 1998.

During the tumultuous period of 1987 following M.G. Ramachandran's demise, he staunchly supported the late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, a loyalty reciprocated over the years.

His rise to prominence mirrors that of O. Panneerselvam, both emerging as confidantes of Jayalalithaa. Against the backdrop of the 2016 assembly elections, the unwavering support from the Gounder community in western Tamil Nadu played a pivotal role in securing victory amidst prevailing anti-incumbency sentiments.

Prior to assuming the mantle of Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister in 2017, he held portfolios in various ministries, notably as the Minister for Highways and Minor Ports in Jayalalithaa and O. Panneerselvam-led governments.

Born on May 12, 1954, to Karuppa Gounder and Thavasi Ammal in Siluvam Palayam, he married P. Radha and is a father to one son.

Edappadi K Palaniswami Personal Life

Full Name	Edappadi K Palaniswami
Date of Birth	12 May 1954 (Age 72)
Place of Birth	Siluvam Palayam - Salem
Party Name	All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Party Position	General Secretary
Education	12th Pass
Profession	Agriculturalist and Politician
Father's Name	Karuppa Gounder
Mother's Name	Thavasi Ammal
Spouse's Name	P Radha
Spouse's Profession	Housewife
Children	1 Son(s)
Religion	Hindu
Caste	OBC
Current Constituency	Edappadi

Edappadi K Palaniswami Net Worth

Net Worth

₹6.41 CRORE

ASSETS

₹6.7 CRORE

Liabilities

₹29.75 LAKHS

Education Qualification of Edappadi K Palaniswami

Edappadi K Palaniswami studied B.Sc. degree from Srivasavi College, Erode in 1976 but could not complete the course.

Interesting Facts about Edappadi K Palaniswami

Palaniswami was a Jaggery trader before entering into politics. During that time, he was monikered as 'Jaggery Palaniswami.' During the 1989 state Assembly elections, AIADMK divided into two factions. He contested under cock symbol under Jayalalitha's leadership.

Political Timeline of Edappadi K Palaniswami

2026 March: Contesting the Tamil Nadu Assembly election from the Edappadi constituency, continuing his active engagement in state politics and public affairs.
2021: He won the Assembly elections from the Edappadi constituency of Salem district in Tamil Nadu but couldn't help the AIADMK party to come to power for the third term.
2017: After Jayalalita's demise, Sasikala tried a lot to snatch the power from then CM O Panneerselvam. Due to several allegations, she was sent to jail, and Panneerselvam stepped down. Finally, AIADMK elected Palaniswami. K as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
2016: He again won from the Edappadi seat. He defeated one of the strong candidates of PMK, Annadurai. N with the margin of 42022 votes.
2011: Palaniswami. K won from Edappadi after around 20 years. He defeated Karthe.M of PMK.
2006: After ten years, he again tried his luck but was unsuccessful in winning the Assembly elections. He lost against Kaveri V.
2001: He did not contest the TN Assembly elections this year.
1998: He won the Lok Sabha seat from Tiruchengode constituency. He defeated Dr. Ramalingam K.P. with a margin of 104,809 votes.
1996: During the 1996 Assembly elections, he lost his Edappadi seat. Also, he stood in third position in election results with 28.3% of the vote share.
1991: He was re-elected to the state Assembly from the same constituency. This time, he defeated P. Kolandai Gounder of PMK.
1989: Palanniswami won the state assembly election from Edappadi seat for the first time. He defeated Palanisamy L. of DMK with a margin of just 1364 votes.
1980s: Palanniswami joined politics and soon became a member of AIADMK.

Election Results of Edappadi K Palaniswami

Year	Election	Type	Constituency	Result
2004	Parliament election	MP	Tiruchengode	Lost

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs on Edappadi K Palaniswami)

Does Edappadi K Palaniswami's have criminal cases?
No, Edappadi K Palaniswami does not have any criminal case.
What is Edappadi K Palaniswami's net worth?
Edappadi K Palaniswami has a net worth of approx. ₹6.41 Crore.
What is Edappadi K Palaniswami's qualification?
Edappadi K Palaniswami studied B.Sc. degree from Srivasavi College, Erode in 1976 but could not complete the course.
Who is Edappadi K Palaniswami's wife?
P Radha is the wife of Edappadi K Palaniswami.
Who is the 7th chief minister of Tamil Nadu?
Edappadi K Palaniswami served as the 7th chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
From which party does Edappadi K Palaniswami belong to?
Edappadi K Palaniswami belongs to the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
What is Edappadi K Palaniswami's short name?
Edappadi K Palaniswami is shortly referred to as E.P.S
Who is Edappadi K Palaniswami?
Edappadi K Palaniswami is the current and 19th Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

Edappadi K Palaniswami Latest News & Updates

Edappadi K Palaniswami Votes as Tamil Nadu Records Historic Voter Turnout in 2026
Edappadi K Palaniswami, the AIADMK General Secretary, cast his vote on 23 April 2026 in his home constituency of Salem. He urged citizens to participate in this high-stakes assembly election, which saw a record-breaking voter turnout of over 85 per cent.As the leader of the AIADMK-led alliance, Palaniswami is seeking to return to power after five years. The 2026 election has become a significant three-way contest between the ruling DMK, the AIADMK-led NDA, and the newly formed party of actor-politician Vijay.
Palaniswami Vows To End DMK Rule as Tamil Nadu Election Campaigning Ends
AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami completed his final election campaign in his home turf of Edappadi on 20 April 2026. He told supporters that the ruling party failed to break his strong alliance with the PMK.The former Chief Minister promised to stop the drug trade within three months if he returns to power. He also claimed that the current government has caused prices to rise and state safety to decline.
Edappadi K. Palaniswami Hits Out at DMK Over Delimitation and Law and Order in Tamil Nadu
On 18 April 2026, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami accused the DMK government of spreading false information about the Delimitation Bill. During his campaign in Salem, he stated that the new law would actually increase Tamil Nadu's seats in Parliament.Palaniswami also criticised the current government for failing to control rising food prices and poor law and order. He promised that if the AIADMK wins the upcoming election, they will provide 10,000 rupees to poor families and eradicate drugs.
EPS Accuses DMK of Double Standards in Coimbatore Rally Ahead of 2026 Polls
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami held a major rally in Coimbatore on 17 April 2026. He accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of using double standards regarding the central government's delimitation plan and attempting to stall women's reservation aid.Palaniswami stated that the DMK is staging protests only to hide corruption and rising debt in Tamil Nadu. He promised that a future AIADMK government would solve the drug crisis and provide direct financial help to families within three months.
Palaniswami Defends Official Transfers and Slams DMK Before Elections
On 10 April 2026, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami supported the Election Commission's decision to move top officials in Tamil Nadu. He said this was necessary for a fair election. He also questioned why Chief Minister MK Stalin was against the changes.Palaniswami is currently leading a busy campaign for the April 23 assembly polls. He promised to bring back the original food quality at Amma Canteens. He also told voters that the AIADMK would revive old welfare schemes if they win the state elections.
EPS Promises Caste Census in AIADMK’s Campaign for Tamil Nadu 2026
On 4 April 2026, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced a major campaign promise. He guaranteed a caste-based census in Tamil Nadu if his party wins. He stated that accurate data is essential for fair welfare distribution across the state.The AIADMK general secretary is leading the National Democratic Alliance into the upcoming April 23 elections. He recently released the party's manifesto, which includes free refrigerators for women. Palaniswami is also contesting the polls from his home constituency, Edappadi, in Salem.
EPS Finalises AIADMK Candidates as Tamil Nadu Election Campaign Intensifies
AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami released the final list of election candidates on 29 March 2026. He is seeking re-election from his home seat of Edappadi. The party has now named all 169 candidates it will field for the upcoming April assembly polls.The AIADMK is leading a large alliance that includes the BJP and other local parties. Palaniswami claims this group will win a major victory. He recently criticised the ruling DMK party, accusing them of focusing only on family politics instead of helping the public.
Palaniswami to Announce AIADMK-BJP Alliance Seat-Sharing Deal for Tamil Nadu Polls
On 20 March 2026, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami confirmed that seat-sharing with the BJP and other allies will be finalised within four days. This follows his high-level meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss strategy for the 23 April Assembly elections.The agreement aims to strengthen the National Democratic Alliance against the ruling DMK. Union Minister Piyush Goyal is expected in Chennai on Saturday to sign the final pact. Palaniswami stated the alliance is now sealed, ensuring all partners contest from seats where they have the strongest winning prospects.
EPS Heads to Delhi as AIADMK-BJP Seat-Sharing Talks Hit a Hurdles Ahead of 2026 Polls
On 19 March 2026, AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami travelled to New Delhi for urgent talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The meeting follows a deadlock in seat-sharing negotiations between the AIADMK and the BJP for the upcoming April 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.The BJP reportedly requested over 50 seats, including key strongholds in Chennai. However, Palaniswami’s party has remained firm on offering only 27 constituencies. This visit aims to resolve the disagreement and finalise the alliance's strategy against the ruling DMK government.
Edappadi K Palaniswami and NDA to Launch Protests Against DMK Government on March 17
On March 13, 2026, AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami announced that the National Democratic Alliance will hold major protests across Tamil Nadu. These demonstrations are scheduled for March 17 to highlight issues like public safety and rising crime rates.Palaniswami is currently touring the state to prepare for the upcoming assembly elections. He has strongly criticized the ruling DMK for not fulfilling its earlier promises. He also denied rumors about a new alliance with the TVK party.

Disclaimer:The information provided on this page is sourced from various publicly available platforms including https://en.wikipedia.org/, https://sansad.in/ls, https://sansad.in/rs, https://pib.gov.in/, https://affidavit.eci.gov.in/ and the official websites of state assemblies respectively. While we make every effort to maintain the accuracy, comprehensiveness and timeliness of the information provided, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy or reliability of the content. The data presented here has been compiled without consideration of the objectives or opinions of individuals who may access it.