A grim battle ahead

On October 17, as the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) celebrated its 49th Foundation Day, it also sounded the poll bugle for next summer’s battle for Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) hoisted the party flag at his native Silu­vam­palayam near Edappadi in Salem district while deputy chief minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS) did the honours at the party headquarters in Chennai in a symbolic show of their new-found unity. The two leaders, who lead large, influential factions, have put aside their differences to take on rival Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and to close ranks before the return of expelled ex-party chief V.K. Sasikala, who will be back from jail in January. Expect backroom player, the BJP, to also put on a more aggressive show this election.