Nainar Nagendran Files Nomination for Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Amid Alliance Buzz with AIADMK

In a significant political development, BJP MLA and state vice-president Nainar Nagendran on Friday filed his nomination for the post of Tamil Nadu BJP president, potentially succeeding K Annamalai at a time when the party is reportedly exploring a revival of its alliance with the AIADMK.

Nagendran, who represents the Tirunelveli constituency, became the first to file his nomination papers at the BJP’s state headquarters, Kamalalayam, in T Nagar, Chennai. His candidature has garnered support from senior party leaders including current BJP state president K Annamalai, Union Minister L Murugan, former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, and BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan, who also heads the party’s Mahila Morcha.

A former member of the AIADMK, Nagendran’s past association with the Dravidian party is seen as a strategic advantage for the BJP as it seeks to rebuild bridges with its erstwhile ally. His potential elevation comes at a politically charged moment, coinciding with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the state.

The speculation of a BJP-AIADMK reunion gained traction last month when AIADMK general secretary and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) met with Amit Shah in Delhi. Political observers interpreted the meeting as a possible signal towards re-aligning forces ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Sources close to the developments had earlier indicated that AIADMK was opposed to continuing its alliance with the BJP under Annamalai’s leadership, citing strained relations and controversial remarks. The nomination of Nagendran, who maintains a more conciliatory posture towards the AIADMK, is being seen as a tactical shift by the BJP’s central leadership.

While the BJP has not officially announced a change in leadership or confirmed the alliance talks, Nagendran’s nomination marks a notable political moment. His leadership could potentially recalibrate the BJP’s approach in Tamil Nadu, where it has been striving to gain ground.

With elections still a year away, all eyes will be on how the BJP restructures its state unit and whether it chooses to join forces again with the AIADMK in what could become a high-stakes contest in 2026.