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 2025, he has been the leader of the opposition as well as the General Secretary of AIADMK. Therefore, he is in charge of the party both in the organization and during ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌elections.

By Rashmi | Friday, March 13, 2026, 10:29:33 AM [IST]

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 71)
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

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 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.
Palaniswami Consolidates Power in AIADMK While Targetting DMK Ahead of Polls
AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami is tightening his control over the party. Recent reports on 10 March 2026 suggest he is bypassing senior leaders to select loyal newcomers for the upcoming elections. This strategy aims to prevent internal challenges to his leadership.Palaniswami also launched a sharp attack on the ruling DMK, calling the government a failure. He accused the Chief Minister of being a slave to the Congress party. He has promised to restore law and order and improve safety for women if his party wins.
Edappadi K Palaniswami Predicts Landslide AIADMK Victory in 2026 Polls
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has declared that his alliance will win 210 seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. Speaking in Madurai, he promised to end the current government's rule. He told party workers on 1 March 2026 to work hard at the grassroots level.Palaniswami recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss election strategies and seat-sharing deals. He also appointed former minister Vellamandi Natarajan as a party organising secretary on 7 March 2026. This move aims to strengthen the party's structure before the upcoming state-wide voting begins.
EPS Faces New Challenge as Rival OPS Joins DMK Ahead of 2026 Polls
AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami promised families ten thousand rupees for the 2026 polls. On February 27, 2026, rival O. Panneerselvam joined the DMK. This massive shift changes the state's political climate as the two main parties prepare for a tight contest in the upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
EPS Pays Tribute to Jayalalithaa on Her Birth Anniversary in Chennai
AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami paid floral tributes to late J. Jayalalithaa on 2026-02-24. He celebrated her birth anniversary today at the party headquarters in Chennai and urged the party cadres to work very hard.They must bring back their leader's golden rule in the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections.
EPS Challenges Stalin to End Dynastic Rule in Tamil Nadu
AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami challenged the DMK to end dynastic politics during his campaign on 23 February 2026. He urged M.K. Stalin to let veteran cadres hold top leadership posts. Palaniswami also promised to increase local fishermen aid and recover stolen funds if his party wins upcoming state elections.
EPS Clashes With DMK Over Medical Quota Credit In Assembly
On 19 February 2026, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami clashed with the ruling DMK in the state assembly. He accused the government of falsely taking credit for the 7.5 percent medical quota for government students.Palaniswami stated the AIADMK launched this policy. He also criticised the state's rising debt levels.
EPS Dismisses Actor Vijay's Political Ambitions in Tamil Nadu
AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami spoke today, February 18, 2026. He dismissed actor Vijay's political goals, saying dreams of becoming like MGR will never come true.Palaniswami also predicted his party will win 210 seats in 2026. He believes movie fame does not prove leadership skills for the next government.
EPS Restarts AIADMK Campaign And Challenges DMK Government Over State Management
On 16 February 2026, Edappadi K. Palaniswami spoke at a large campaign event in Erode. He criticized the DMK government for raising state debt and failing to manage public welfare properly. He promised that the AIADMK is ready to win the upcoming legislative assembly elections on its own strength later.
EPS Launches AIADMK Training Drive in Chennai to Prepare For 2026 Polls
AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami launched a statewide booth-level training programme in Chennai on 15 February 2026. He urged party workers to strengthen their local presence before the 2026 elections. EPS claimed the DMK government had failed the public, making a strong AIADMK victory essential for the state’s bright future.

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