AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) held a private meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Tuesday, lasting approximately 15 minutes, to discuss the possibility of reviving the AIADMK-BJP alliance in Tamil Nadu. Sources indicate that EPS presented a set of clear, non-negotiable conditions for re-establishing the partnership, with a primary demand being that AIADMK must lead the alliance in the state for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections.
The meeting, which included senior AIADMK leaders SP Velumani and KP Munusamy, followed EPS’s recent remarks about being open to joining forces with "like-minded parties" to unseat the ruling DMK. These comments had already set off intense speculation about whether the AIADMK might soften its stance towards the BJP, despite the party’s earlier, more rigid position. EPS had previously ruled out a reunion, stating that AIADMK would remain separate from the BJP in the lead-up to the 2026 elections, following their fallout over differences in leadership strategies and public narratives.
A significant point of contention is the role of Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai, whose combative approach and outspoken criticism of AIADMK’s past leadership have created visible friction between the two parties. Sources suggest EPS raised these concerns directly with Amit Shah, reportedly insisting that Annamalai’s confrontational style is alienating AIADMK's core supporters and making a potential alliance untenable unless the BJP leadership reins him in or reconsiders his position.
EPS is believed to have emphasized that while AIADMK remains committed to defeating the DMK, it would not tolerate being treated as a secondary partner in any future alliance. He reportedly made it clear that AIADMK’s organizational strength, grassroots presence, and historical influence in Tamil Nadu politics far outweigh the BJP’s relatively limited footprint in the state.
The AIADMK leader also stressed that any renewed partnership must reflect the political reality on the ground — with AIADMK calling the shots in seat sharing, candidate selection, and campaign strategy. EPS reportedly argued that aligning with the BJP could help consolidate anti-DMK votes, but only if AIADMK is publicly recognized as the senior partner in the alliance to maintain the confidence of its voter base.
For months, EPS has maintained that AIADMK would contest the 2026 elections independently, particularly after walking out of the NDA alliance in September 2023 over Annamalai’s controversial statements against former Chief Minister and party stalwart J Jayalalithaa. However, with the DMK retaining a stronghold over Tamil Nadu politics and the opposition space increasingly fragmented, AIADMK appears to be reevaluating its strategy — recognizing that a realignment with the BJP, though complicated, could enhance its chances of regaining power.
Political analysts suggest that the BJP, eager to expand its presence in Tamil Nadu — a state where it has historically struggled to make significant electoral gains — may be willing to concede leadership of the alliance to AIADMK, provided both parties can find a middle ground. The BJP’s national ambitions in the south, particularly with a looming 2026 assembly election, may push the party to prioritize electoral pragmatism over regional leadership disputes.
Meanwhile, EPS’s decision to engage in direct talks with Amit Shah rather than junior BJP leaders is seen as a strategic move, signaling that AIADMK is willing to negotiate — but only at the highest levels of the BJP leadership. This approach also helps EPS reinforce his standing within AIADMK, projecting him as the undisputed leader capable of steering the party’s political future.
While no official announcements have been made from either party confirming a revived alliance, the meeting marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. If the AIADMK and BJP manage to reconcile their differences and finalize a mutually acceptable arrangement, it could reshape the state's electoral equations, potentially creating a formidable challenge to the DMK-led front. However, any failure to strike a balance — particularly regarding leadership roles, seat distribution, and Annamalai’s influence — could just as easily lead to prolonged hostility and further fragmentation in the opposition camp.
For now, all eyes remain on the evolving negotiations, with EPS holding his ground and the BJP weighing the long-term benefits of a tactical alliance versus the risk of alienating its own state leadership. The next steps — and any public confirmation or denial of an alliance — are likely to come in the weeks ahead, setting the stage for what promises to be a high-stakes, fiercely contested political battle in Tamil Nadu.
