Priyanka Tiwari
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With Tamil Nadu’s Assembly elections approaching, a potential political realignment is taking shape. Speculation is growing that the AIADMK may rejoin the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), following high-level discussions in New Delhi.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) is currently in Delhi and is expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, according to a report by The Indian Express. The outcome of this meeting could determine the formal revival of the AIADMK-BJP alliance.
EPS’s Changing Stance and Strategic Calculations
While Palaniswami has previously opposed renewing ties with the BJP, political dynamics seem to be shifting. Sources suggest pressure from the BJP's central leadership and the challenges posed by the ruling DMK’s electoral dominance have influenced his decision.
The AIADMK is reportedly willing to re-enter the NDA, even if it means playing a secondary role—provided certain conditions are met.
AIADMK's Key Demands from BJP
As per reports, AIADMK has outlined specific terms for the alliance:
Formation of a high-powered steering committee to manage coordination between the two parties, which would hold authority over Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai.
The party has not demanded Annamalai’s removal, despite past tensions.
AIADMK has asked BJP to drop efforts to reconcile with rebel leaders TTV Dhinakaran and O Panneerselvam (OPS), which had previously been encouraged by the BJP to heal internal divisions.
Alliance History and Present Context
The AIADMK initially aligned with the BJP after J Jayalalithaa’s death in 2016. However, after the DMK’s strong performances in the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 Assembly elections, EPS broke off the alliance in September 2023.
Following the DMK’s continued success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, as well as in bypolls and civic elections, the AIADMK appears to be reevaluating its strategy.
As one senior AIADMK leader said:
“They (BJP) are looking for control. They won't hesitate to split our party if we resist. This is not a choice; this is damage control.”
A BJP insider reportedly confirmed that the alliance is "as good as done," with final terms under discussion at top levels.
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