New Delhi, April 11 -- The Edappadi assembly constituency in Salem district is a critical battleground for the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections because it serves as the political home of AIADMK General Secretary and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, who is now seeking a sixth term.

The upcoming elections to elect the 234-member Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu have shaped Edappadi into a three-cornered fight featuring Palaniswami for the AIADMK, C. Kasi for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and Priyadharshini for the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK).

C Kasi is a seasoned local political figure within the DMK's Salem district unit, officially announced as the candidate for the Edappadi seat as part of the party's broader st...