Chennai: In a strategic move to counter the DMK’s dominance in Tamil Nadu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has formally announced the renewal of the BJP-AIADMK alliance for the 2026 state assembly elections. This partnership is marked by its lack of preconditions, signaling a fresh start for both parties. Describing the alliance as a “natural partnership,” Shah confirmed Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) as the Chief Ministerial face, underscoring his leadership in the run-up to the polls.
The BJP-AIADMK alliance in Tamil Nadu has been rekindled in Chennai without any conditions from either side, emphasizing mutual benefit. Amit Shah highlighted that this partnership would be advantageous for both the NDA and AIADMK. The announcement coincided with the BJP’s decision to replace K Annamalai with Nainar Nagendran, a former AIADMK member, as the state unit President. This change is seen as a strategic maneuver, given Annamalai’s past controversies, including critical remarks about iconic AIADMK leaders that led to the alliance’s fracture in 2023.
The BJP’s decision to revive the alliance reflects its recognition of limited traction in Tamil Nadu. Historically, the BJP-AIADMK partnership has faced significant electoral setbacks, including poor performances in the 2021 state election and the recent 2024 Lok Sabha election. In contrast, the DMK and its allies have consistently dominated, capturing all 39 Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 polls. This renewed partnership aims to mount a robust challenge to the ruling DMK in the upcoming assembly elections.
