Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), General Secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Leader of the Opposition, has strongly criticized the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for what he describes as "double standards". Simultaneously, he has refuted claims made by Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran, further intensifying the political turmoil in Tamil Nadu.

Palaniswami's criticism of the DMK centers around their failure to fulfill promises, particularly regarding the cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). He challenged Udhayanidhi Stalin to reveal the "secret" to abolish the exam, accusing the DMK of deceiving voters. He has also accused the DMK of poor law and order in Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, Palaniswami has dismissed claims made by DMK leader MK Stalin that his alliance with the BJP is linked to raids on relatives, calling Stalin "unfit to be a leader".

Meanwhile, the conflict between Palaniswami and TTV Dhinakaran has escalated, with both leaders trading barbs and accusations. Dhinakaran has launched a scathing attack on Palaniswami, questioning his integrity and accusing him of political maneuvering and hypocrisy. He claimed that Palaniswami's government survived due to the support of 122 AIADMK MLAs, not the BJP, and that Palaniswami is misrepresenting facts. Dhinakaran also alleged that Palaniswami disqualified 18 MLAs to protect his position as Chief Minister, demonstrating a lack of gratitude and loyalty. He has asserted that there is no chance of AMMK ever forming an alliance with Palaniswami.

Palaniswami has responded by ruling out the possibility of re-inducting expelled leaders like Dhinakaran and O Panneerselvam (OPS) into the AIADMK, emphasizing the importance of party self-respect and vowing to isolate "betrayers". He recalled the 2017 crisis, when some tried to "hijack" the party after Jayalalithaa's death and that the Centre had saved them. He has also credited the BJP-led Centre for supporting his government and fulfilling demands such as the Chennai Metro project.

These exchanges occur against a backdrop of internal turbulence within the AIADMK and ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. With expelled leaders like VK Sasikala, TTV Dhinakaran, and O Panneerselvam calling for unity, Palaniswami faces pressure to consolidate the party. Political analysts suggest that the ongoing conflict between Palaniswami and Dhinakaran, coupled with the AIADMK's relationship with the BJP, will significantly impact the political landscape of Tamil Nadu in the lead-up to the elections.