Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Apr 12: In a major political realignment ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has officially rejoined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), reigniting a powerful electoral alliance in Tamil Nadu.
Welcoming the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and said, "Stronger together, united towards Tamil Nadu’s progress! Glad that AIADMK joins the NDA family. Together, with our other NDA partners, we will take Tamil Nadu to new heights of progress and serve the state diligently." He further vowed to uphold the vision of the late stalwarts M G Ramachandran (MGR) and J Jayalalithaa.
The Prime Minister also made a scathing attack on the ruling DMK, calling it ‘corrupt and divisive’ and asserting that the people of Tamil Nadu deserve a change.
Union home minister Amit Shah, during his visit to Chennai, announced that AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) will lead the NDA in Tamil Nadu and will be the alliance’s Chief Ministerial face. Shah described the renewed alliance as a ‘natural partnership,’ indicating a strategic move to consolidate anti-DMK votes.
This reunion follows a year-long split triggered by controversial comments from Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai, which had soured ties between the two parties. The rift cost both parties dearly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, prompting reconciliation efforts led by top leaders from both sides.
Sources confirmed that Annamalai’s decision to step back from key positions and the behind-the-scenes efforts of senior RSS leaders and ideologue S Gurumurthy were instrumental in rebuilding trust.
During his Chennai visit, Shah was welcomed by BJP leaders including Annamalai, MoS L Murugan, Tamilisai Soundararajan and others. Strategic meetings were held to outline the roadmap for the 2026 polls.
Political observers note that the BJP-AIADMK alliance could emerge as a strong challenger to the DMK-led government if it manages to effectively rally support across the state. The NDA now eyes Tamil Nadu with renewed hope, aiming to shift the political balance in one of India’s most dynamic states.