Chennai: The AIADMK and BJP have officially joined hands again for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Palaniswami posted with the hashtag #MakeTNProsperousAgain, declaring a joint mission to build a “greater Tamil Nadu” free from dynastic politics, corruption, and misgovernance.
“We are proud to be part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA),” EPS wrote. “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AIADMK will work in close coordination with NDA allies to fulfill the aspirations of Tamil Nadu’s people.”
Official Alliance Announcement by Amit Shah
The announcement came shortly after Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that the BJP and AIADMK will contest the 2026 state elections together, marking a significant political shift after their previous split in September 2023.
Speaking at a press conference, Shah clarified, “AIADMK has not placed any conditions or demands. We will not interfere in their internal matters. This alliance will be mutually beneficial for both the NDA and AIADMK.” He also added that the elections would be contested under the leadership of Edappadi Palaniswami.
Interestingly, BJP leader K. Annamalai, whose controversial remarks in 2023 had led to the rift between the two parties, was also present during the announcement, signaling a possible truce within the BJP-AIADMK fold.
Congress, DMK Respond
Reacting to the renewed partnership, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said the two parties were free to align as per their political interests. However, he was critical of the AIADMK’s shifting stance.
“At one point, AIADMK realized the BJP was a burden in Tamil Nadu and distanced themselves. Now, they’re back. It’s a diminished party now,” he said.
Taking a dig, Chidambaram noted, “There was a time when parties approached the AIADMK for alliances. Now the tables have turned, they’re going to Delhi to secure support.”
This renewed alliance sets the stage for a heated political battle in Tamil Nadu, as the BJP looks to strengthen its presence in the state, while the AIADMK attempts to regain lost ground with the backing of the central leadership.
To keep reading, subscribe to questiqa.in
