In a significant political development, Union Minister and the Bharatiya Janata Party's election in-charge for Tamil Nadu, Piyush Goyal, held a crucial meeting with All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) in Chennai on Tuesday. This high-level interaction marks the formal commencement of structured negotiations between the two parties as they gear up for the pivotal 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election.
Discussions Focus on NDA Expansion and Strategy
Following their meeting at a private hotel in RA Puram, Goyal and EPS addressed a joint press conference. Goyal expressed his delight at meeting his "dear friend and brother EPS," stating that their discussions were centered on strengthening political work and contesting the upcoming assembly election under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The talks delved into the composition of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state. Both parties explored the potential induction of other regional players, specifically naming the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK). The inclusion of several smaller parties was also on the agenda. A strategic division of labour was agreed upon: the BJP would reach out to parties willing to contest under its 'Lotus' symbol, while the AIADMK would engage with those inclined to fight under its 'Two Leaves' symbol.
While the status of former chief minister O. Panneerselvam and AMMK founder T.T.V. Dhinakaran was raised during the dialogue, no concrete decision was made regarding their possible roles in the alliance.
Seat Sharing and Internal Reviews
A critical, yet unresolved, topic was the seat-sharing arrangement between the BJP and the AIADMK. Both leaders refrained from disclosing any specifics. Sources indicate that the BJP conveyed its interest in contesting a larger number of seats compared to the 20 constituencies it was allotted in the 2021 assembly polls. The AIADMK, led by EPS, agreed in principle, with the final decision contingent upon solidifying the overall alliance structure.
This was Piyush Goyal's first visit to Chennai after being appointed the BJP's Tamil Nadu in-charge. His day began with a closed-door review meeting at the state BJP headquarters, attended by key leaders including state president Nainar Nagenthran, former governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, MP Vanathi Srinivasan, and Union Minister L. Murugan. Goyal assessed possibilities to fortify the NDA and sought details on the political stance of TTV Dhinakaran and O. Panneerselvam.
BJP leaders presented data identifying around 50 assembly constituencies where the party secured more than 20% of the vote share in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Goyal acknowledged this analysis but indicated that formal seat-sharing talks would proceed after consultations with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and once the alliance's final composition is clear.
Political Rhetoric and Future Steps
Both leaders used the platform to criticize the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government. Goyal accused the DMK of running a "corrupt regime" and emphasized the need for a development-focused government in Tamil Nadu. EPS echoed this sentiment, claiming widespread public anger and a growing demand to oust the DMK from power, asserting that the NDA would collaborate to achieve this objective.
After his meeting with EPS, Goyal held another review session with BJP functionaries and had a brief meeting with Governor R.N. Ravi before departing from the city. He is expected to return to Chennai next month, closer to a scheduled visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at which point alliance talks are likely to advance further.
In a telling comment later in the day, BJP state chief Nainar Nagenthran, when asked about the possibility of inducting T.T.V. Dhinakaran into the NDA, remarked that there are "no permanent friends or enemies in politics." He added, "There are still three months for the election, and anything can happen," highlighting the fluid nature of political alignments as the 2026 battle draws nearer.
