CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday began interviews with aspirants who have submitted applications expressing their willingness to contest the 2026 Assembly elections on behalf of the party.

The interviews are being held at the party headquarters. The AIADMK has received a total of 10,175 applications, of which 7,988 were from aspirants seeking to contest the Assembly elections, while 2,187 were filed on behalf of Palaniswami.

On the first day, Palaniswami interviewed aspirants from constituencies in Salem, Erode, Tirupur, Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Karur, Namakkal and Dindigul districts.

The interview process is scheduled to be conducted over five days: January 10, 12, and 13, followed by January 24. Each day’s proceedings are held in the mornings and evenings.

Only party functionaries who appeared with the original receipt issued at the time of submitting their application are permitted to attend the interviews.

Earlier, Palaniswami had cautioned aspirants against approaching or being misled by individuals claiming to secure party tickets. He had said that due recognition and importance would be given to those who work sincerely for the party.