In a surprising turn of events, the AIADMK has announced that it will participate in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls after initially pledging to support BJP candidates. Edappadi K Palaniswami, the party’s general secretary and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, declared the decision on Wednesday, stating that D. Anbarasan will be the AIADMK’s candidate for the Pulikeshi Nagar constituency.
In the 2018 assembly elections, S. Akhanda Srinivasamurthy of the Indian National Congress emerged victorious in the Pulikeshi Nagar seat, defeating Janata Dal (Secular) leader B. Prasanna Kumar by an 81,626-vote margin. Murali, a BJP politician, will be running for office from the same district.
The AIADMK’s move to contest the Karnataka Assembly polls this year signifies a shift in the party’s political strategy in the state. The party had fielded three candidates in the 2018 assembly polls but opted not to contest this year and instead support BJP candidates. However, with the change in decision, the election campaign is expected to become more competitive, particularly in the Pulikeshi Nagar constituency. The party hopes to expand its presence beyond its traditional stronghold of Tamil Nadu by gaining ground in the state polls.
The Karnataka Assembly elections are scheduled to take place on May 10, and the results are set to be declared on May 13, with the addition of the AIADMK’s participation adding further intrigue. Various political parties and independent candidates will be competing for power, and it remains to be seen how the AIADMK’s entry will impact the electoral dynamics in the state and if it will be able to make significant gains in the polls.