Palaniswami Meets Amit Shah, Sparks Speculation on AIADMK-BJP Alliance Revival
AIADMK General Secretary and Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Tuesday, fueling intense political speculation about the potential revival of the AIADMK-BJP alliance.
With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections still over a year away, the meeting is being seen as a significant move in light of the ruling DMK’s growing campaign on issues such as delimitation and the two-language policy. The nature of the discussions, however, remains unclear, as AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan, while confirming the visit, refrained from sharing further details about the agenda of the meeting.
The AIADMK and BJP had previously formed an alliance for the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, during which the BJP won four seats. However, the relationship between the two parties soured in the aftermath of the 2023 rift, which was sparked by controversial comments made by Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai regarding the late AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa’s corruption conviction. The remark angered AIADMK leaders, leading them to issue a strong resolution condemning Annamalai and accusing him of undermining the alliance.
The fallout of this controversy eventually resulted in both parties contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections separately, with dismal results. The DMK-led front dominated the election in Tamil Nadu, further altering the state’s political landscape.
In the wake of these setbacks and the emergence of new political contenders like actor-turned-politician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), AIADMK is reportedly reconsidering its strategy. Political analysts suggest that the meeting between Palaniswami and Amit Shah could be an attempt to revive the opposition’s unity against the DMK, with AIADMK possibly pushing for Annamalai’s removal as a condition for re-establishing the alliance.
As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, both the AIADMK and BJP will need to rebuild trust and address their differences. The outcome of this high-profile meeting will likely play a key role in shaping the political landscape in Tamil Nadu in the coming months, with political observers and party supporters alike eagerly awaiting the next steps from both parties.
