Annamalai softens stance on AIADMK alliance after Shah-EPS meet: 'Won't stand in the way'

Annamalai

The sudden meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Union Home in Delhi on March 25 has set off intense speculation about a possible merger of the two parties, thereby underscoring the principle of expediency in electoral politics leading up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

AIADMK, the saffron party's former alliance partner, parted ways with the BJP just before the 2024 general election, citing repeated provocations by BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai, who was accused of insulting its party icons.

However, as the current round of talks begin to take shape, BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit chief K Annamalai appears to have softened his stance on AIADMK. On more than one occasion, the former IPS officer, categorically maintained that he wished to remain silent on the matter and that he has provided a comprehensive survey report on various aspects of state's politics to the party bosses in Delhi.

Merger speculations resurface

While Palaniswami denied that the meeting in Delhi had anything to do with a renewed alliance between his party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — its former ally — Amit Shah's social media post after the meeting hinted otherwise. The Home Minister expressed hope that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would form the government in Tamil Nadu next year, fueling speculation of a revival of the AIADMK-BJP alliance ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

The urgency for rapprochement became evident after the 2024 general election results. Hoping to regain support among significant sections of Muslim and Christian voters, the AIADMK opted to face the electorate alone. However, the outcome was sobering. The DMK-led alliance swept all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu, while the coalitions led by the AIADMK and BJP, contesting separately, ended up splitting votes in at least 13 constituencies, damaging each other’s prospects.

Annamalai's micro analysis of Tamil Nadu

Annamalai on Sunday said as a “cadre and leader” he has done a micro analysis of Tamil Nadu and presented to the party’s national leaders a detailed study, with proof, on how the State is at present and how it should go forward. When asked by the media in Coimbatore on the likelihood of an alliance between the BJP and the AIADMK, he said he would not want to talk about it.

Annamalai had given the national leaders the views of the party cadre, the political field in Tamil Nadu, how it had changed, etc. Answering questions about his earlier criticism of AIADMK and its leaders, Annamalai said, “When there are ideological differences, it is necessary to express our position firmly, which is what I did.” When asked about his Delhi visit and meeting with BJP leaders, he refused to divulge details but said he spoke about the situation in TN and steps needed to push the state forward.

Annamalai's implicit message

Annamalai on Friday said protecting the welfare of Tamil Nadu people is of more importance than the interests of his own party for the Assembly election in 2026. On his earlier confrontation with the AIADMK, Annamalai said he was answerable to party cadre and had to work for growing his party in Tamil Nadu. But, in an indication of mellowing of his stance, he said, “I will not be a problem to anyone.” He said the key objective is to remove BJP’s enemy DMK from power and protect the welfare of Tamil Nadu. When asked about the alliance between BJP and AIADMK, Annamalai remained tight-lipped. "Our Home Minister has spoken. Please take his reaction as the final word on the matter."

Annamalai, who had previously taken a firm stance against AIADMK, clarified that he harboured no personal grievances against any party or leader. "I have always been open about my stand. When I spoke in Delhi, I said that I am ready to even work as a cadre. Please understand the meaning of that," he asserted, adding that he would never go back on his words.

Amit Shah's admission

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly admitted that the BJP and AIADMK have launched formal talks to clinch an alliance for the 2026 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, three days after he met a high-powered delegation from the Dravidian outfit. Shah’s statement assumes significance as AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said he didn’t discuss politics with the Union Home Minister during their meeting last week.

“As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, our friends in the AIADMK and leaders in the BJP are talking. When a decision is arrived at, we will make it public,” Shah told a summit organised by an English news channel. He also added that the 2026 assembly elections will witness the downfall of the DMK regime and a new NDA government in power, leading to speculation that the BJP could push the AIADMK for a coalition government.