BJP and AIADMK to Contest Jointly in 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has officially announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) will contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections together. This declaration was made during a press meet at the BJP office in Chennai, alongside AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the announcement on social media, welcoming AIADMK to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He said that the joint effort aims to bring growth to Tamil Nadu. Modi emphasized that the alliance would work to realize the vision of former leaders M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and J. Jayalalithaa.

Stronger together, united towards Tamil Nadu’s progress!

Glad that AIADMK joins the NDA family. Together, with our other NDA partners, we will take Tamil Nadu to new heights of progress and serve the state diligently. We will ensure a government that fulfils the vision of the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 11, 2025

PM Modi Criticizes DMK, Calls for Change in Tamil Nadu

Modi criticized the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), calling it corrupt and divisive. He said removing DMK from power is necessary to protect Tamil Nadu's cultural identity and improve governance. Modi expressed confidence that the BJP-AIADMK alliance would bring positive change to the state.

Amit Shah Confirms Leadership Structure for 2026 Polls

While addressing party workers and the media, Amit Shah said the election campaign will be led by Prime Minister Modi at the national level and EPS at the state level. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between AIADMK and NDA, noting AIADMK has been part of the alliance since 1998.

The BJP and the AIADMK are committed to protect and promote the language, culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu. The people of Tamil Nadu are fed up with the rampant corruption of the DMK and are determined to oust the corrupt government. The BJP and the AIADMK will jointly go from… pic.twitter.com/GgKME9kBcY
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 11, 2025

Shah added that AIADMK had not placed any preconditions for the alliance, and seat-sharing discussions would happen later.

Joint Strategy to Reach Grassroots Level

On social media, Shah reiterated that BJP and AIADMK are committed to promoting Tamil Nadu's language, culture, and traditions. He accused DMK of misrule and said the two parties will engage with people across villages to raise awareness about corruption and governance failures.

Discussion on Sensitive Issues Like NEET and Delimitation

Amit Shah also mentioned controversial topics like NEET and delimitation, accusing the opposition of using them as distractions. He said that NDA and AIADMK would work out a joint position if needed and could introduce a common minimum program to address differences on such issues.