Having parted ways with I-PAC, Prashant Kishor appears determined to reassert his influence in Tamil Nadu politics, aiming to establish himself as the key strategist while settling old scores.
Published Feb 11, 2025 | 2:23 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 11, 2025 | 3:23 PM
Edappadi Palaniswami, Prashant Kishor and Vijay,
Synopsis: Poll strategist Prashant Kishor reportedly had a secret discussion with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami, soon after meeting actor-turned-politician Vijay. Sources, who previously worked closely with Prashant Kishore, confirmed that Aadhav Arjuna is set to act as a bridge between AIADMK and TVK.
Jan Suraaj Party founder and former poll strategist Prashant Kishor reportedly had a secret discussion with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami on Monday, sources said on Tuesday, 11 February.
Earlier in the day, he had also met actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay.
It is said that he also met former Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) members, who had worked under Prashant Kishor for DMK, particularly at the team lead level.
Sources said the meeting took place at a sports-related venue linked to TVK General Secretary (Election Campaign Management) Aadhav Arjuna.
Sources, who previously worked closely with Prashant Kishor, confirmed that Arjuna is set to act as a bridge between AIADMK and TVK.
Arjuna, who was the former deputy general secretary of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), left the party and joined VCK after he was suspended for making comments against the ruling DMK during a public event with Vijay. VCK is an ally of the DMK in Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, Prashant Kishor’s team has been reaching out to former I-PAC workers, inviting them to join hands.
Having parted ways with I-PAC, Prashant Kishor appears determined to reassert his influence in Tamil Nadu politics, aiming to establish himself as the key strategist while settling old scores.
A significant meeting with key individuals is scheduled for Tuesday evening, likely shaping the next phase of his political manoeuvres.
For AIADMK, the upcoming 2026 Assembly election is a do-or-die situation. Although Palaniswami has come to be an acceptable leader, he is not a J Jayalalithaa.
With a waning vote share and splintering groups, it is Palaniswami’s only real chance at cashing in on anti-incumbency against DMK. Given current surveys and trends, Vijay and TVK may become the make-or-break factor in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections in 2026.
(With inputs from Subash Chandra Bose.)
