Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the leader of the Opposition and general secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), stated that a thorough investigation into the death of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi will be initiated if the AIADMK regains power. This announcement was made during a campaign in Arani, Tiruvannamalai, as a response to comments made by DMK President M.K. Stalin regarding Palaniswami's right to discuss Stalin's relationship with his father. Palaniswami referenced an audio clip allegedly featuring DMK leader A. Raja, which suggested that Stalin had kept Karunanidhi under house arrest, raising concerns about the late leader's well-being during his final days. He emphasized that similar to the investigation ordered by Stalin into the death of former AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa, a probe into Karunanidhi's death would be warranted. Furthermore, Palaniswami noted the withdrawal of VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan from contesting in Kattumannarkoil, attributing it to pressure from the DMK, thereby indicating a lack of independence among the DMK's allies.