AIADMK has released its first list of 23 candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026, renominating K Palaniswami from Edappadi and retaining several senior leaders in key constituencies.
AIADMK releases first list of 23 candidates
Chennai: The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Wednesday announced its first list of 23 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The move marks the party’s formal entry into the electoral race as campaigning gathers pace across the state.
As the principal opposition party and a key player in the NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu, the announcement is seen as an important step in shaping the political contest ahead of polling.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: AIADMK releases first list of 23 candidates, fields K Palaniswami from Edappadi#tamilnadupolls #TamilNaduPolitics #aiadmk #breakingnews @EPSTamilNadu pic.twitter.com/jO9DNDSqHr
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) March 25, 2026
Party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has been renominated from the Edappadi constituency in Salem district, his political stronghold. His candidature signals continuity in leadership as the party aims to consolidate its base.
In an official statement, Palaniswami said the candidates were selected after due consultation within the party’s governing body.
அனைத்திந்திய அண்ணா திராவிட முன்னேற்றக் கழக முதற்கட்ட வேட்பாளர்கள் பட்டியல்.
- மாண்புமிகு கழகப் பொதுச்செயலாளர் புரட்சித் தமிழர் @EPSTamilNadu அவர்கள் அறிவிப்பு. #EPSfor2026#Vote4AIADMK pic.twitter.com/HVvrcUtDpt
— AIADMK - SayYesToWomenSafety&AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) March 25, 2026
The list features several prominent leaders who have been fielded again from their traditional constituencies. Among them are K P Munusamy (Veppanahalli), Dindigul C Srinivasan (Dindigul), Natham R Viswanathan (Natham), S P Velumani (Thondamuthur), and D Jayakumar (Royapuram).
A significant number of former ministers have also been renominated, reflecting the party’s reliance on experienced faces.
The candidate list shows minimal changes, with most leaders returning to their earlier constituencies. Only a couple of candidates have been shifted to new seats, indicating a strategy centred on familiarity and established voter bases.
Tamil Nadu Polls 2026: NDA finalises seat sharing, BJP gets 27, PMK 18, AMMK 11; AIADMK on rest
Two leaders who had lost in the previous election have been given another opportunity, highlighting the party’s confidence in their electoral prospects.
While smaller parties like Naam Tamilar Katchi had already announced candidates for all constituencies, the AIADMK is among the first major parties to release its list, albeit partially.
The early announcement is expected to give the party a head start in campaign planning and voter outreach ahead of the April 23, 2026 polling date. Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The current tenure of the 234-member state assembly ends on May 10.
