Tamil Nadu assembly elections: Will EPS retain his hold over Salem?

SALEM: Early last month, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said Salem would always be the party's fortress. However, the battle to retain the fortress, Palaniswami's home turf, has just got tougher.The primary challenge comes from DMK's renewed push to improve its performance in the district. While DMK was in the opposition in 2021 and AIADMK was in power, the roles have now reversed, giving DMK a potential advantage. Back then, AIADMK front won 10 of the 11 seats. Stung by the defeat, DMK deputed senior leader K N Nehru as in charge of Salem and initiated groundwork to strengthen its grassroots presence. The party also bolstered its local leadership - north district secretary R Rajendran was made tourism minister, east district secretary S R Sivalingam was elected to Rajya Sabha, and Salem West district secretary T M Selvaganapathy became Lok Sabha MP in 2024, strengthening DMK's organisational base.Another key challenge stems from the split within PMK. While gounders, the dominant community to which Palaniswami belongs, form a major voting bloc in Salem, vanniyars also constitute a sizeable section of the electorate. AIADMK has allotted two of the 11 seats in the district to PMK.However, unlike in 2021, PMK is now divided. Salem West MLA R Arul is aligned with founder S Ramadoss, while Mettur MLA S Sadasivam is in the camp of party president Anbumani Ramadoss. In Edappadi constituency itself, where vanniyar votes are significant, the split could affect caste consolidation.There is also concern within AIADMK over allies who were denied seats in Salem. "AMMK had sought the Veerapandi seat, while BJP was keen on Salem North. They were disappointed,'' said a party functionary.In addition, AIADMK leaders point to a potential challenge from TVK. As in other parts of the state, there are apprehensions that youth votes may drift towards the party, which could affect AIADMK's prospects, particularly if these are votes that would otherwise have gone against DMK.DMK, on the other hand, remains confident. Party leaders believe AIADMK has weakened in the region over time. "There is no anti-incumbency. Support for DMK has only grown over the past five years due to our welfare measures," said a DMK functionary.AIADMK leaders, however, are optimistic that Palaniswami's personal influence and development initiatives in Salem would help the party overcome these challenges and retain its stronghold. "EPS will overcome all the challenges and sweep Salem,'' said Salem urban district secretary A K S M Balu.