The BJP and AIADMK's fluctuating relationship, marked by past tensions over leadership and ideology, shows signs of a shift with recent overtures. A potential alliance could impact Tamil Nadu's electoral dynamics
Published Mar 31, 2025 | 11:39 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 31, 2025 | 11:39 AM
Amit Shah meets AIADMK leaders (X)
Synopsis: BJP and AIADMK are intensifying talks over a potential alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. BJP President K Annamalai stated the final decision will be made by central leadership. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the ongoing discussions and criticised the ruling DMK, alleging its policies have caused chaos in Tamil Nadu.
Hours after former AIADMK minister C Ponnaiyan dismissed any possibility of an alliance with the BJP, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that discussions between the two parties were indeed taking place. The conflicting statements have raised questions about who is misleading whom in Tamil Nadu’s shifting political landscape.
Speaking at a summit organised by an English news channel, Amit Shah said, “As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, our friends in the AIADMK and leaders in the BJP are talking. When a decision is arrived at, we will make it public.” He also emphasised that the 2026 Assembly elections would see a strong challenge to the ruling DMK, further fuelling speculation about a renewed BJP-AIADMK partnership.
However, just hours before Shah’s statement, AIADMK leader Ponnaiyan had categorically denied any ongoing talks with the BJP, asserting that his party had severed ties with the national party and was in no mood to reconsider.
Regarding a question by reporters about the meeting between AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Ponnaiyan stated that the central government has been depriving Tamil Nadu of funds for various projects, betraying the state on river water issues, imposing Hindi through the three-language policy, and failing to deliver the allocated funds, causing Tamil Nadu to struggle. He also accused the central government of neglecting Eelam Tamils.
Responding to another question about AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP, Ponnaiyan pointed to EPS’s earlier explanation and sarcastically suggested reading it multiple times to understand.
BJP-AIADMK alliance discussions had intensified as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) are engaged in talks over a possible alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, BJP leaders confirmed.
Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai indicated that the party’s central leadership will take a final call on the shape and form of the alliance.
On 25 March, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, along with former ministers KP Munusamy, SP Velumani, and CV Shanmugam, visited the AIADMK office in New Delhi before meeting Shah at his residence.
Although neither party has officially announced an alliance, the discussions indicate ongoing negotiations. When questioned about the possible alliance, Shah responded, “Discussions on the alliance are underway. We will make an official announcement at the appropriate time.”
Shah’s statement is notable as Palaniswami earlier stated he had not discussed politics with the Union Home Minister. Shah also predicted the downfall of the DMK in the 2026 elections, fuelling speculation about a potential BJP-AIADMK coalition government.
Shah’s remarks in Tamil Nadu also addressed the contentious issue of delimitation, which has become a major point of discussion in the state’s political circles.
The BJP has been advocating for constituency boundary changes based on population growth, a move that opposition parties argue could reduce Tamil Nadu’s political influence in Parliament.
The DMK is raising the issue of language and delimitation merely to hide its corruption and prevent an imminent defeat in the upcoming election. Modi Ji has made a clear promise: delimitation will not cause any injustice to anyone.
திமுக தனது ஊழலை மறைக்கவும், வரவிருக்கும்… pic.twitter.com/NHJVYTc75Z
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 28, 2025
The AIADMK, while maintaining a neutral stance on the issue, indicated that its priority is to challenge the DMK in the upcoming elections.
Political analysts believe that a BJP-AIADMK alliance could consolidate opposition votes and pose a formidable challenge to the DMK’s electoral prospects.
Despite these discussions, no official announcement has been made regarding the alliance. AIADMK leaders remain cautious, with some within the party resisting a renewed partnership with the BJP, fearing it could alienate the party’s traditional voter base.
With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching, both parties are expected to continue strategic negotiations. The final decision on the alliance will likely depend on multiple factors, including seat-sharing agreements, leadership roles, and the broader political climate in the state.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
