EPS Attacks ‘Dynasty Politics’ In DMK, Questions Rise Of Karunanidhi Family Members In Party

Last Updated:January 05, 2026, 08:59 IST

Highlighting his own political rise, EPS said he began as a branch secretary and moved up step by step to become general secretary, MLA, MP and eventually Chief Minister

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (PTI file photo)

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on Monday launched a sharp attack on the ruling DMK, accusing it of promoting “dynasty politics" and questioning whether there was “no one beyond the Karunanidhi family" in the party.

Speaking in Veerapandi, Palaniswami repeatedly targeted the elevation of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, asking whether his rise was solely because he was “born into the Karunanidhi family".

Palaniswami contrasted Udhayanidhi’s political journey with that of senior DMK leader Durai Murugan, pointing out that despite being the party’s longest-serving MLA and having suffered imprisonment under the MISA Act, Murugan never received similar opportunities.

He questioned how many times Udhayanidhi had gone to prison and argued that sacrifice and seniority had been overlooked in favour of lineage.

“Stalin is the party leader, Udhayanidhi heads the Youth Wing, Kanimozhi heads the Women’s Wing, and even in Delhi it is the same family that holds power," he said, calling for change in the upcoming elections.

Highlighting his own political rise, Palaniswami said he began as a branch secretary and moved up step by step to become General Secretary, MLA, MP and eventually Chief Minister, questioning whether such progression was possible within the DMK. He also took a dig at the DMK–Congress alliance, claiming it was “wavering" and that there was uncertainty over whether Congress would even remain part of it.

“People now doubt whether the DMK alliance will survive until the elections," he said, as the AIADMK sharpened its attack ahead of the polls.

News politics EPS Attacks ‘Dynasty Politics’ In DMK, Questions Rise Of Karunanidhi Family Members In Party

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