Edappadi K. Palaniswami

In this Tamil name, there is no surname or family name. The name Edappadi is a toponym, the name Karuppa is a patronym, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Palaniswami.

Edappadi K. Palaniswami
Palaniswami in 2018
18th Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
Incumbent
Assumed office 11 May 2021
Deputy	O. Pannerselvam R. B. Udhayakumar
Chief Minister	M. K. Stalin
Preceded by	M. K. Stalin
7th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
In office 16 February 2017 – 6 May 2021
Governor	C. Vidyasagar Rao Banwarilal Purohit
Deputy	O. Panneerselvam
Cabinet	Palaniswami
Preceded by	O. Panneerselvam
Succeeded by	M. K. Stalin
Cabinet Minister <br/>Government of Tamil Nadu
In office 23 May 2016 – 7 May 2021
Minister	Public Works
Chief Minister	J. Jayalalithaa O. Panneerselvam Himself
Preceded by	O. Panneerselvam
Succeeded by	E. V. Velu
Constituency	Edappadi
In office 23 May 2015 – 8 August 2015
Minister	Forests
Chief Minister	J. Jayalalithaa
Preceded by	M. S. M. Anandan
Succeeded by	Dindigul C. Sreenivasan
Constituency	Edappadi
In office 16 May 2011 – 7 May 2021
Minister	Highways and Minor Ports
Chief Minister	J. Jayalalithaa O. Panneerselvam J. Jayalalithaa O. Panneerselvam Himself
Preceded by	M. P. Saminathan
Succeeded by	E. V. Velu
Constituency	Edappadi
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
In office 10 March 1998 – 26 April 1999
Prime Minister	Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Preceded by	K. P. Ramalingam
Succeeded by	M. Kannappan
Constituency	Tiruchengode
Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
Incumbent
Assumed office 16 May 2011
Chief Minister	J. Jayalalithaa O. Panneerselvam Himself M. K. Stalin
Preceded by	V. Kaveri
Constituency	Edappadi
In office 6 February 1989 – 13 May 1996
Chief Minister	M. Karunanidhi J. Jayalalithaa
Preceded by	Govindaswamy
Succeeded by	I. Ganesan
Constituency	Edappadi
General Secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Incumbent
Assumed office 11 July 2022
Deputy	K. P. Munusamy Natham R. Viswanathan
Preceded by	J. Jayalalithaa
Joint Coordinator of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
In office 21 August 2017 – 23 June 2022
Deputy	K. P. Munusamy R. Vaithilingam
Coordinator	O. Panneerselvam
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Position abolished
Headquarters Secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
In office 8 June 2016 – 12 July 2022
General Secretary	J. Jayalalithaa
Coordinators	O. Panneerselvam Himself
Preceded by	P. Palaniappan
Succeeded by	S. P. Velumani
Personal details
Born	Palaniswami (1954-05-12) 12 May 1954<ref name="LokSabha"/> Siluvampalayam, Salem district, Madras State, India<br/>(present-day Tamil Nadu)<ref name="LokSabha">"Biographical Sketch of Member of 12th Lok Sabha". loksabhaph.nic.in. Archived from the original on 7 April 2019. Retrieved 23 October 2019.</ref>
Political party	All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Spouse(s)	Radha
Children	1
Residence	Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai (official) 6/77, Siluvampalayam, Nedunkulam, Edappadi, Salem district, Tamil Nadu, India (permanent)
Profession	Agriculturalist politician
Awards	Honorary Doctorate (2019) Paul Harris Fellow (2020)
Nickname(s)	Puratchi Thamizhar, Edappadiyaar, E.P.S.

Edappadi Karuppa Palaniswami, popularly known as EPS (born 12 May 1954) is an Indian politician who is the current leader of opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly since May 2021. He served as the seventh chief minister of Tamil Nadu, from 2017 to 2021. He has been the general secretary of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) since 28 March 2023. Previously, he has served in various leadership roles in the AIADMK since 2016.

Born in 1954 in Salem district in the erstwhile Madras State, Palaniswami was engaged in agriculture before joining electoral politics in 1974. He has represented Edappadi since 2011 as Member of the Legislative Assembly, previously also serving from 1989 to 1996. In the 1998 Indian general election, he was elected as Member of Parliament of the Lok Sabha representing Tiruchengode. Post the 2011 assembly elections, he served as the minister of highways and minor ports in the Jayalalithaa cabinet. After the 2016 assembly elections, he served as the minister of public works in the cabinet.

Early and personal life

Palaniswami was born on 12 May 1954 to Karuppa Gounder and Thavasiyammal at Siluvampalayam, Salem district, Madras State (now Tamil Nadu).<ref name="LokSabha"/><ref name="Assembly">"Profile, Palaniswami". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 17 February 2017. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref> After completing school, he completed B.Sc. zoology from Sri Vasavi College.<ref>"Honorable Chief Minister, 15th assembly". Government of Tamil Nadu. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref><ref name="LokSabha"/> His parents were involved in agriculture and Palaniswami also chose to get involved in the same.<ref name=Who>Thangavelu, Dharani (15 February 2017). "Who is Edappadi K. Palaniswami?". Mint. Archived from the original on 13 March 2017.</ref><ref>Mariappan, Julie (13 October 2020). "Edappadi K Palaniswami Mother: Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami's mother Dhavusayammal dies aged 93". The Times of India. Retrieved 31 January 2021.</ref> He has two siblings, a brother Govindraj and a sister Ranjitham. He is married to Radha and they have a son.<ref name="JT">Menon, Jaya (3 May 2021). "From jaggery farmer to Tamil Nadu CM, Edappadi K Palaniswami". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 May 2021.</ref><ref name=Who/><ref name="LokSabha"/>

Political career

Early years (1974–2010)

Palaniswami entered politics in 1974 enrolling himself as a volunteer in All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).<ref name="JT"/> He was first elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 1989, representing Edappadi constituency, and won the re-election in 1991 from the same constituency.<ref>1989 Tamil Nadu Election Results (PDF) (Report). Election Commission of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 October 2010. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref><ref>1991 Tamil Nadu Election Results (PDF) (Report). Election Commission of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 December 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref> He lost from the same constituency in the 1996 assembly elections.<ref>1996 Election report (Report). Election Commission of India. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref> In the 1998 general election, he was elected Member of Parliament, representing Tiruchengodu constituency in the 12th Lok Sabha.<ref>1998 General Election Results (Report). Election Commission of India. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref> He subsequently lost the 1999 and 2004 general elections from the same constituency. He contested again from Edappadi in the 2006 assembly elections and lost.<ref>2006 Election report (Report). Election Commission of India. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref> He was appointed propaganda secretary of AIADMK in July 2006, replacing O. S. Manian and later as organising secretary in August 2007.<ref>"Edapadi Palanisami is the opposition leader". Puthiya Thalaimurai (in தமிழ்). 10 May 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2021.</ref>

Cabinet minister (2011–2017)

He was re-elected from Edappadi constituency in the 2011 assembly election.<ref>2011 Election report (Report). Election Commission of India. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref> He was appointed as the minister of highways and minor ports in the Jayalalithaa cabinet.<ref>"Council of Ministers, Government of Tamil Nadu". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 25 August 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2011.</ref> He served as the district secretary of AIADMK for Salem suburban district from June 2011 to April 2022.<ref>"Jaya shuffles party posts of functionaries". News18. 30 June 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2011.</ref><ref>"AIADMK organisational polls throw up no surprise". The Hindu. 27 April 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.</ref> In 2014, he was appointed as the member of the disciplinary committee of AIADMK.<ref>"tamil-nadu-labour-minister-kp-munusamy-sacked-from-cabinet-two-key-party-posts". The Economic Times. 20 May 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014.</ref> He was again re-elected from the same constituency in the 2016 assembly election.<ref>2016 Election report (Report). Election Commission of India. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref> After 2016 assembly elections, he also served as the ministry of public works in the cabinet.<ref>"2016 TN Assembly Election – Candidate Affidavit" (PDF). myneta.info. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 March 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2017.</ref> In 2016, he was appointed headquarters secretary of AIADMK, succeeding P. Palaniappan.<ref>"Jaya restructures AIADMK apex team". Business Standard. 8 June 2016. Retrieved 8 June 2016.</ref>

Chief minister (2017–2021)

See also: Palaniswami ministry

Palaniswami in 2018

Palaniswami became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in February 2017, following the resignation of O. Panneerselvam, who was the chief minister in the interim after the demise of former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa in December 2016.<ref>Saqaf, Syed Muthahar (14 February 2017). "From farmer to CM pick — the rise of a Jaya loyalist". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref> He was sworn in on 16 February 2017 along with a 32-member cabinet and also held charge of home, prohibition and excise.<ref>"Palanisamy takes oath as Chief Minister: Full list of Tamil Nadu Cabinet ministers and their portfolios". India.com. 16 February 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref>

In March 2017, he introduced the Kudimaramaththu scheme for restoring minor irrigation tanks and lakes in the state.<ref>"Kudimaramathu is back in state". The Hindu. 14 March 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2017.</ref> In response to the introduction of mandatory NEET exams starting in 2017, Palaniswami government formed a high-level committee led by M. Anandakrishnan in May that year to reform the Tamil Nadu school education system.<ref>"New panel to revise school syllabus in TN". The Hindu. Retrieved 4 July 2017.</ref> The school textbook syllabus and exam pattern for classes 1 to 12 were revised on par with CBSE standards in phases, starting from the 2018–19 academic year, to better prepare students for competitive exams.<ref>"Tamil Nadu overhauls school education system". DTnext. Retrieved 24 May 2017.</ref><ref>"How TN school curriculum became new and relevant". timesofindia. Retrieved 19 May 2019.</ref> In May 2018, police opened fire on protests against a copper plant owned by Vedanta that was allegedly polluting groundwater in Thoothukudi, killing 13 people.<ref>Safi, Michael; Karthikeyan, Divya (28 May 2018). "Indian copper plant shut down days after deadly protests". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 May 2022.</ref> While the act was later termed as "self-defence" by a one-man commission, the Government of Tamil Nadu ordered the permanent closure of the plant on 28 May 2018.<ref>"Sterlite violence: 492 people questioned over 20 phases by Aruna Jagadeesan commission". The New Indian Express. 22 May 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref><ref>Rohit, T. k (28 May 2018). "Sterlite Copper to be permanently closed, says Tamil Nadu government". The Hindu. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref><ref>Thangavelu, Dharani (28 May 2018). "Tamil Nadu govt orders permanent shutdown of Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi". Mint. Retrieved 12 May 2022.</ref>

On 15 August 2018, Palaniswami announced a 2% sub-quota in select government jobs and State Public Sector Undertakings for national, state, and international-level medal-winning sportspersons in games organised by recognised federations, later increasing it to 3% on 16 October 2018.<ref>"Sportspersons to get 2% sub-quota in govt. jobs". The Hindu. 15 August 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2018.</ref><ref>"State increases sub-quota for sportspersons in government jobs". The Hindu. 16 October 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.</ref> His administration was lauded for its preparedness and efforts to tackle the Cyclone Gaja that hit Tamil Nadu in November 2018.<ref>"Opposition lauds govt.'s cyclone preparedness". The Hindu. 17 November 2018. Retrieved 16 October 2024.</ref> In August 2019, Palaniswami introduced dedicated patrol vehicles (Amma patrol) to ascertain the security of women and children in public places.<ref>"Tamil Nadu rolls out Amma Patrol vehicles to check crimes against women, kids". Indian Express. 27 August 2019. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref>

In the 2019 Indian general election, AIADMK under the leadership of Palaniswami, contested in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party and won only a single seat.<ref>Ramakrishnan, T.; Kumar, D. Suresh (12 January 2021). "People's reception gives us confidence that we will win a majority, says Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Palaniswami". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 January 2021.</ref><ref>18. Partywise Seat Won Valid Votes Polled in Each State. Election Commission of India (Report). 11 October 2019. Retrieved 21 December 2021.</ref> In 2019, Palaniswami launched the Yaadhum Oore programme aimed at garnering foreign investment in the state. He visited United States, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates to promote the same.<ref>"After tapping silicon valley, TN eyes Tamil diaspora in 38 countries". The New Indian Express. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 31 January 2021.</ref> His administration created new districts such as Tenkasi, Kallakurichi, Tirupattur, Ranipet and Chengalpattu in 2019, and Mayiladuthurai in 2020, by carving them out from existing districts.<ref>"Mayiladuthurai to become Tamil Nadu's 38th district". The News Minute. 24 March 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2020.</ref> After six decades of waiting by the people, Palaniswami laid the foundation stone for the ₹1,652-crore Athikadavu–Avinashi Groundwater Recharge and Drinking Water Supply Scheme on 28 February 2019, and the project work commenced on 25 December that year.<ref>"Athikadavu-Avinashi Project gets environment clearance". newindianexpress. 15 January 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2020.</ref><ref>"After a 67-year-long wait, Athikadavu-Avinashi project in Tamil Nadu to be commissioned on August 17". The Hindu. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.</ref>

In February 2020, the Government of Tamil Nadu declared the Kaveri delta region as a protected special agriculture zone.<ref>"Cauvery delta to be declared a protected agriculture zone". The Hindu. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2020.</ref><ref>"Tamil Nadu declares Cauvery delta a protected agricultural zone". Hindustan Times. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref> In May 2020, the government passed an order for reservation of 7.5% of seats in government medical colleges to students from public schools while also announcing a plan to set up eleven new government medical colleges with 1,650 seats.<ref>"Tamil Nadu Govt Passes Order for 7.5% Quota in Medical Admissions for Govt School Students". News18. 29 October 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2022.</ref><ref>"Tamil Nadu govt to set up medical colleges in 11 districts, add 1,650 seats". Business Standard. 26 October 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2022.</ref><ref>"Tamil Nadu has 3,400 MBBS seats now and will add 1,650 in future: CM". The Hindu. 26 October 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2022.</ref> After the first three phases of excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Keezhadi between 2014 and 2017, the state department of archaeology took over further excavations in consultation with the ASI. In the fourth phase of excavations in 2017–18 done at a cost of ₹5.5 million (US$77,000), 5,820 artifacts and brick constructions dating back to the Sangam era were excavated. On 20 July 2020, Palaniswami laid the foundation for the Keezhadi museum in Sivaganga district to showcase the artefacts unearthed from Keezhadi excavation site.<ref>"Tamil Nadu CM lays foundation stone for Keeladi museum". The Times of India. 20 July 2020.</ref>

Under his governance, Tamil Nadu was rated among the top states based on a composite index in the context of sustainable development according to the Public Affairs Index released by the Public Affairs Center in October 2020.<ref>"Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Goa best governed States: report". The Hindu. 30 October 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref> During the coronavirus pandemic, Tamil Nadu was one of the few states that did not register negative growth.<ref>Menon, Amarnath (27 November 2021). "Best performing big state overall: Tamil Nadu". India Today. Retrieved 12 May 2022.</ref> Tamil Nadu was ranked as the best performing big state from the year 2018 to 2021 based on a study conducted by India Today.<ref>"T.N. tops in 'State of the States' study". The Hindu. 27 November 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2022.</ref><ref name="TNfirst">"Tamil Nadu bags best performer award, again". The New Indian Express. 28 November 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2022.</ref> On 5 January 2021, his government announced that the Thaipusam festival would be included in the list of public holidays every year.<ref>"Thai Poosam a public holiday in Tamil Nadu from this year". The Hindu. 5 January 2021.</ref>

Tussle with Pannerselvam

The tussle between Palaniswami and Pannerselvam started in October 2020 when minister for milk and dairy development K. T. Rajenthra Bhalaji tweeted that the party should go for elections, with Palaniswami as the chief ministerial candidate. A day before Balaji’s tweet, cooperative minister Sellur K. Raju said, "MLAs will elect the chief minister" when AIADMK wins the 2021 elections.<ref>"EPS or OPS? AIADMK still undecided on CM candidate, party chief". The Week. Retrieved 18 August 2024.</ref> Later, Panneerselvam made the announcement that Palaniswami would be the chief ministerial candidate of the AIADMK on 7 October 2020 at a meeting at the AIADMK office in Chennai.<ref>"AIADMK tiff over? Palaniswami to be CM candidate, says Panneerselvam". The Week. Retrieved 18 August 2024.</ref>

Leader of the opposition (2021–present)

AIADMK lost the 2021 assembly elections and Palaniswami resigned as the chief-minister on 6 May 2021.<ref>"TN CM Palaniswami resigns, Guv accepts it; dissolves Assembly". India Today. PTI. 3 May 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2022.</ref><ref>"EPS quits as CM, flurry of resignations at Secretariat". DT next. 4 May 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2022.</ref><ref>"Edappadi K. Palaniswami elected AIADMK legislature party leader". The Hindu. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2022.</ref> He won for the third consecutive time from the Edappadi constituency and was elected as the leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.<ref>Mariappan, Julie (10 May 2021). "Edappadi K Palaniswami to be leader of opposition in Tamil Nadu assembly". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 May 2021.</ref><ref>"Edappadi Palaniswami elected as Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly". The New Indian Express. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2022.</ref>On 10 May 2021, the newly elected AIADMK MLAs convened to choose the new Leader of the Opposition, an important post equivalent to a cabinet minister. The meeting was inconclusive, with both Panneerselvam and Palaniswami staking claims to the post, while their supporters hurled charges against each other. This included a prolonged quarrel between the two sections of the party outside the party's head office, causing unrest. Supporters of Palaniswami believed that he should be the Leader of the Opposition due to the party's good performance in the election in western Tamil Nadu, the region he hails from; whereas, Panneerselvam's supporters felt that the party fared poorly in other regions of the state due to Palaniswami's wrong policies during his Chief Ministerial tenure.<ref>Jesudasan, Dennis S. (8 May 2021). "AIADMK unable to decide on Leader of Opposition post". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2021.</ref> Eventually, Palaniswami was elected as the Leader of the Opposition.<ref>"Edappadi Palaniswami elected as Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly". newindianexpress. 10 May 2021. Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.</ref>

In June 2022, district secretaries and senior party members of AIADMK spoke out against the “dual leadership” system of Palaniswami and O. Panneerselvam.<ref>"More voices emerge in favour of unitary leadership in AIADMK". The Hindu. 19 June 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref> The supporters of Palaniswami pushed for the change in the party's leadership structure to appoint him as the general secretary of AIADIMK ahead of the general council meeting on 23 June 2022, which was expected to elect the leadership of the party.<ref>"Tamil Nadu: Can united front of the AIADMK survive?". The Times of India. 20 June 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref><ref>"EPS vs OPS: AIADMK grapples with internecine struggle for party control". The New Indian Express. 19 June 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref> In June 2022, Palaniswami wrote to Panneerselvam asserting the latter ceased to be the party coordinator as the amendments made to the party's bylaw in the 2021 December executive committee meeting were not recognised in the general council meeting held on 23 June.<ref>"Tamil Nadu: Indicating OPS is no longer AIADMK coordinator, EPS says his letter on local body polls invalid". Indian Express. 30 June 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref><ref>"You are no longer AIADMK coordinator, EPS tells OPS". Hindustan Times. 1 July 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref>

On 11 July 2022, the general council of AIADMK abolished the dual leadership model, appointing Palaniswami as the interim chief and expelled Panneerselvam and his loyalists from the primary memberships of the party for "anti-party" activities.<ref>"AIADMK Tussle: Court Setback For OPS, Rival EPS Takes Charge". NDTV. 11 July 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref><ref>"OPS Expelled from AIADMK Through Special Resolution After EPS Takes Control of Party". News18. 11 July 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref><ref>"AIADMK Tussle: EPS Is New Boss, Rival OPS Expelled". NDTV. 11 July 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref><ref>"AIADMK general council anoints Edappadi K Palaniswami as party interim general secretary". The Times of India. 11 July 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref> While on 17 August, the Madras High Court nullified the decisions of the AIADMK general council and ordered maintaining a status quo, a division bench later upheld the decisions and set aside the previous court order on 2 September 2022.<ref>R. Sivakumar (17 August 2022). "OPS wins legal battle in Madras HC, dual leadership to continue in AIADMK for now". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 29 August 2022.</ref><ref>S, Mohamed Imranullah (2 September 2022). "AIADMK leadership tussle: Division Bench of Madras High Court reverses earlier order in favour of OPS". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 September 2022.</ref> On 23 February 2023, the Supreme Court of India upheld the later order of the Madras High Court, effectively handing the leadership of the party to Palaniswami.<ref>"Supreme Court rejects Paneerselvam's plea, Palaniswamy to continue as AIADMK general secretary". Indian Express. 23 February 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2023.</ref> On 28 March 2023, AIADMK announced that Palaniswami was elected as the general secretary through party's general secretary election.<ref>Mariappan, Julie (28 March 2023). "EPS becomes AIADMK general secretary; OPS petition rejected in Madras HC". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 September 2023.</ref><ref>S, Mohamed Imranullah (28 March 2023). "Madras High Court rejects expelled AIADMK leaders' interim applications against party's 2022 general council resolutions". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 September 2023.</ref> On 20 April 2023, the Election Commission of India recognised Palaniswami as the general secretary, acknowledging the amendments to the party constitution and changes to list of office-bearers.<ref>AIADMK Amended Constitution dated 20.04.2023 (Report). Election Commission of India. 20 April 2023.</ref><ref>"Election Commission of India recognises Edappadi K. Palaniswami as AIADMK general secretary". The Hindu. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.</ref> On 20 August 2023, a conference was held at Madurai led by Palaniswami as a part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the founding of AIADMK.<ref>"AIADMK golden jubilee conference kicks off in Madurai". The Hindu. 20 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.</ref><ref>"Palaniswami inaugurates AIADMK's Madurai conference". Deccan Herald. 20 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.</ref> On 25 September 2023, Palaniswami led AIADMK officially left the National Democratic Alliance ahead of the 2024 Indian general election.<ref>"AIADMK severs ties with BJP-led NDA alliance, to lead separate front for 2024 Lok Sabha polls". The Telegraph. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref><ref>"AIADMK severs ties with BJP-led NDA; to form front to fight 2024 LS polls". Deccan Herald. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref><ref>"AIADMK snaps ties with BJP-led NDA alliance ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls". The Indian Express. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref>

In the aftermath of the 2023 Chennai floods, Palaniswami demanded the chief minister of Tamil Nadu to release a white paper on the completed and ongoing stormwater drain work in Chennai and further criticised the state government for the lack of preparedness.<ref>"Cyclone Michaung:Palaniswami holds Stalin responsible for 'lack of preparedness'". The Hindu. 10 December 2023. Archived from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2023.</ref><ref>"Cyclone Michaung; AIADMK calls for release of white paper on stormwater drain work in Chennai". The Hindu. 7 December 2023. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 7 December 2023.</ref> In the 2024 general election, Palaniswami led AIADMK formed an alliance with Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, Puthiya Tamilagam, and Social Democratic Party of India and contested 36 seats in the state of Tamil Nadu and one each in the union territories of Puducherry and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The party-led alliance failed to win any seats in the elections.<ref>Prasad, S (4 June 2024). "Tamil Nadu election results 2024: DMK alliance sweeps Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Kallakurichi". The Hindu. Retrieved 4 June 2024.</ref> Palaniswami has been placed under Z+ scale category security by the Ministry of Home Affairs due to bomb threats since 5 July 2025.<ref>"எடப்பாடி பழனிசாமிக்கு இசட் பிளஸ் பாதுகாப்பு - மத்திய உள்துறை அமைச்சகம் அறிவிப்பு!". samayam tamil (in தமிழ்). 5 July 2025. Retrieved 5 July 2025.</ref><ref>"Home Ministry Grants Z-Plus Security For AIADMK's Edappadi Palaniswami". ETV Bharat. 5 July 2025. Retrieved 5 July 2025.</ref>

Ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Palaniswami launched the Makkalai Kaappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom (Let us protect the people and reclaim Tamil Nadu) statewide campaign tour covering all 234 constituencies in phases, starting from Mettupalayam in Coimbatore on July 7, 2025.<ref>"Palaniswami to launch election tour from Coimbatore on July 7". The New Indian Express. 28 June 2025. Retrieved 5 July 2025.</ref><ref>Kumar, S Senthil (8 July 2025). "Edappadi K Palaniswami kicks off AIADMK campaign for 2026 polls". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 8 July 2025.</ref>

Elections contested and positions held

Lok Sabha elections

Elections	Lok Sabha	Constituency	Political party			Result	Vote percentage	Opposition
								Candidate	Political party			Vote percentage
1998	12th	Tiruchengode	AIADMK			Won	54.70%	K. P. Ramalingam	DMK			40.89%
1999	13th					Lost	48.53%	M. Kannappan	MDMK			49.08%
2004	14th						37.27%	Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan	DMK			58.02%

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections

Elections	Assembly	Constituency	Political party			Result	Vote percentage	Opposition
								Candidate	Political party			Vote percentage
1989	9th	Edappadi	AIADMK(J)			Won	33.08%	L. Palanisamy	DMK			31.62%
1991	10th		AIADMK				58.24%	P. Kolandai Gounder	PMK			25.03%
1996	11th					Lost	28.21%	I. Ganesan				37.68%
2006	13th						41.06%	V. Kaveri				44.80%
2011	14th					Won	56.38%	M. Karthe				37.66%
2016	15th						43.74%	N. Annadurai				25.12%
2021	16th						65.97%	Sampath Kumar	DMK			28.04%
2026	17th					colspan=7 TBA

Positions in Parliament of the Republic of India

Elections	Position	Elected constituency	Term in office
			Assumed office	Left office	Time in office
1998	Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha	Tiruchengode	10 March 1998	26 April 1999	1 year, 47 days

Positions in Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly

Elections	Position	Elected constituency	Term in office
			Assumed office	Left office	Time in office
1989	Member of the Legislative Assembly	Edappadi	6 February 1989	30 January 1991	1 year, 358 days
1991			1 July 1991	13 May 1996	4 years, 317 days
2011	Minister for Highways and Minor Ports		16 May 2011	21 May 2016	5 years, 5 days
2011	Minister for Forests		23 May 2015	8 August 2015	77 days
2016	Minister for Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports		23 May 2016	15 February 2017	268 days
2016	Chief Minister		16 February 2017	6 May 2021	4 years, 79 days
2021	Leader of the Opposition		11 May 2021	Incumbent	5 years, 90 days

Awards and honours

Honorary doctorates

No.	Conferred in	Conferred by	Location	Country	Work	Ref.
1	2019	Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute	Template:Country data Tamil Nadu	India	For his outstanding contributions to public affairs	<ref>"TN CM to receive honorary doctorate from Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute". thenewsminute.com. 16 October 2019. Archived from the original on 5 June 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2020.</ref>

Other honours

No.	Image	Decoration	Field	Conferred date	Conferred by	Ref.
1		Paul Harris Fellow	Public Affairs	11 July 2020	The Rotary Foundation	<ref>"EPS honoured with Paul Harris Fellow recognition". Indian Express. 11 July 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2023.</ref>

See also

• Edappadi K. Palaniswami ministry

External links

• Official Biographical Sketch in Lok Sabha Website
• Official Biographical Sketch in Tamil Nadu Assembly Website