The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has taken a significant step towards the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections by forming a high-powered committee to prepare its election manifesto. The move sets the stage for a policy-focused battle in the state.
Committee to Gauge Public Pulse Across Tamil Nadu
In an official statement released on Thursday, AIADMK's General Secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), announced the constitution of a 10-member committee tasked with this crucial responsibility. The panel's primary mandate is to travel extensively across Tamil Nadu to solicit opinions and feedback from diverse segments of society before finalizing the document.
EPS emphasized that the manifesto will be a reflection of the people's expectations and address their core concerns. A detailed schedule for the committee's statewide consultations is expected to be published soon, outlining their plan to engage with citizens directly.
Meet the Manifesto Drafting Panel
The committee comprises seasoned leaders and former ministers from the party, bringing a wealth of administrative and political experience. The members appointed are:
- Natham Viswanathan
- C Ponnaiyan
- Pollachi Jayaraman
- D Jayakumar
- C Ve Shanmugam
- S Semmalai
- Valarmathi
- O S Manian
- R B Udhayakumar
- S S Vaigaichelvan
This diverse group is expected to channel grassroots insights into concrete policy proposals.
Political Race for the Manifesto Heats Up
The AIADMK's announcement comes just a week after the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) unveiled its own manifesto preparation committee. That panel is headed by Member of Parliament Kanimozhi and has already convened its first meeting.
This parallel action by the two major Dravidian parties signals the early start of preparations for the 2026 electoral contest, where well-researched and populist manifestos play a pivotal role in swaying voters. The focus on statewide consultations underscores both parties' intent to project a listening ear and a responsive approach to governance.
As the AIADMK panel prepares to embark on its journey across the state, political observers will be watching closely to see how the feedback translates into promises that could shape the political discourse in Tamil Nadu over the coming years.
