COIMBATORE: AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday said that "DMK-led alliance is heading towards a collapse" with the Congress "all set to slip away" from the ruling coalition ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Addressing a Pongal outreach event in his home district of Salem, the Leader of the Opposition claimed that there was a growing friction between the two long-term allies over power-sharing and seat-negotiations and he termed this as a sign of the "DMK's weakening hold on the state". Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition exuded confidence that more political parties will join their alliance, asserting that they will win the forthcoming Assembly elections.

“In contrast, the Congress may slip away from the DMK alliance due to some differences in power sharing and seat allocations. But, none can stop our formidable alliance from winning more seats to form the government,” he said. While Stalin's alliance is crumbling due to internal contradictions, the AIADMK has formed a robust and winning front that will restore ‘Amma's rule' in Tamil Nadu, Palaniswami said.

The former Chief Minister's remarks come amid reports that the Congress is demanding a share in power, which the DMK reportedly rejected. Palaniswami also said, "Congress is looking for an exit as the inefficient DMK government faces mounting public anger".

Claiming that people are eagerly awaiting the removal of the DMK government, Palaniswami said that people are facing many hardships under the present regime, turning the State into a cauldron of protests by various sections seeking rights. "Today, Tamil Nadu has become a land of protests. From doctors and teachers to farmers and sanitation workers, every section of society is on the streets. No section of society lives peacefully. Under the current situation, the whole population has developed an aversion to this government,” he said.

While appreciating the union government's implementation of several schemes beneficial to people, the AIADMK leader said the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), led by Anbumani Ramadoss, continues to remain part of the AIADMK alliance.

Palaniswami arrived at the venue in a traditional bullock cart and participated in Jallikattu-themed celebrations. He was joined on stage by senior leaders from alliance partners, including the BJP, PMK, and TMC.