AIADMK Returns to NDA; Edappadi Palaniswami to Lead Alliance in 2026 Tamil Nadu Polls: Amit Shah

In a significant political development ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday formally announced the revival of its alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Union Home Minister Amit Shah made the announcement during a press conference in Chennai, confirming that AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami would lead the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state.

“I came here to give you good news. AIADMK and BJP have decided to fight the Tamil Nadu elections together under the NDA,” Shah said, standing alongside Palaniswami and outgoing BJP Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai.

Shah further clarified that the upcoming elections would be contested under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the national level and Palaniswami at the state level. The announcement follows weeks of speculation and high-level meetings between BJP and AIADMK leaders.

Recounting the history of the partnership, Shah said, “AIADMK has been a part of the NDA since 1998. Former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and Prime Minister Modi have worked together in the past. We hope to secure a full majority and form the government in Tamil Nadu.”

The BJP and AIADMK previously contested the 2021 Assembly elections together, securing a combined total of 75 out of 234 seats. While the AIADMK won 66 seats, the BJP managed only four. The alliance had since fractured following disagreements, particularly after Annamalai’s critical remarks about AIADMK stalwarts J Jayalalithaa and C N Annadurai.

However, recent reports had suggested that Annamalai might step down to smoothen ties. Addressing the speculation, Shah clarified that Annamalai remains the BJP’s state president.

The reformed alliance comes at a strategic time as both parties aim to consolidate anti-DMK votes. Shah asserted that the BJP had placed no conditions before the AIADMK and described the tie-up as a “win-win” for both sides.

“They (DMK and opposition parties) are raising the issues of delimitation and NEET to distract the people. We will sit with AIADMK and formulate a common minimum programme if necessary,” Shah stated.

He accused the ruling DMK of corruption worth over ₹39,000 crore and said the NDA will expose these issues during the election campaign. “The people will vote against corruption, deteriorating law and order, and rising atrocities on Dalits and women,” Shah added.

Reacting to the announcement, DMK spokesperson A Sarvanan downplayed the impact of the alliance. “We welcome this alliance. It will help DMK return to power with greater strength next year,” he told CNN-News18, asserting that the people of Tamil Nadu are satisfied with the current government’s performance.

While the BJP’s vote share saw a significant rise in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the party failed to win any seats. The success of the alliance will now depend on resolving ideological differences and presenting a united front against the DMK.