AIADMK-BJP Re-Alliance Speculation Grows After EPS Meets Amit Shah in Delhi:

AIADMK leader E Palaniswami (EPS) met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday, triggering speculation of a potential re-alliance between the AIADMK and BJP. The meeting, attended by senior AIADMK leaders SP Velumani and KP Munusamy, comes as Tamil Nadu prepares for the 2026 Assembly elections.

Although EPS downplayed alliance talks, stating, "Poll alliances are discussed closer to elections... nothing now," political observers note the timing and tone of the visit suggest a possible softening of the AIADMK’s stance toward the BJP.

Strategic Visit Amid Political Shifts

EPS was reportedly in Delhi to visit the party’s new office, but the high-level political meeting has been interpreted as part of a larger realignment strategy. Sources suggest that EPS raised concerns over law and order in Tamil Nadu and the TASMAC liquor case, urging central intervention.

He is said to have placed conditions for any renewed alliance, including AIADMK leading the coalition in Tamil Nadu and limiting the involvement of Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai. EPS also reportedly dismissed the relevance of sidelined leaders such as VK Sasikala, TTV Dhinakaran, and O Panneerselvam in the context of future alliances.

AIADMK’s Political Calculations

The AIADMK had exited the NDA in 2023 after citing offensive remarks by BJP state leaders against party icons like Jayalalithaa. However, with its political influence eroding and actor Vijay’s new party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), entering the scene, AIADMK may view a renewed partnership with the BJP as a necessary strategy to remain competitive.

Earlier this month, EPS hinted at possible cooperation with "like-minded parties," adding weight to reports of ongoing alliance negotiations.

Centre-State Dynamics in the Background

The meeting takes place amid tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over policies such as the three-language formula. The evolving relationship between AIADMK and BJP could reshape the opposition strategy against the ruling DMK-led INDIA bloc in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai also recently stated that the BJP is becoming a sought-after ally ahead of the 2026 elections, indirectly hinting at potential re-alignments.