All eyes are firmly fixed on the upcoming public meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chengalpattu district. This major event, scheduled for January 23, is expected to provide much-needed clarity on the composition of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is working tirelessly to solidify its alliances before the rally. They aim to transform the gathering into a grand spectacle where leaders from all allied parties will stand together on stage with the Prime Minister.
Final Push for Alliance Formation
Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who serves as the BJP's election in-charge for Tamil Nadu, is set to arrive in Chennai on January 21. His mission is to wrap up the crucial discussions with potential partners. A senior BJP leader revealed that talks with the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) are nearly finalized. An agreement could be signed as early as January 22, just one day before the rally.
Potential Stage Presence
If the deal with AMMK is successfully inked, its leader TTV Dhinakaran would share the stage with other prominent figures. These include AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss. The BJP is also engaged in last-minute negotiations with the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) to bring them into the fold.
BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran remained somewhat cryptic when questioned about AMMK's potential inclusion. He simply stated, "You will find the answer on Jan 23." This has only heightened anticipation for the rally's announcements.
Coordination and Strategy Meetings
On Monday evening, key Tamil Nadu BJP leaders convened a meeting with Piyush Goyal at his residence in New Delhi. The agenda focused on reviewing the ongoing alliance outreach efforts and the logistical arrangements for the upcoming rally. Attendees included state BJP president Nainar Nagenthran, former state president Tamilisai Soundararajan, and senior leader H. Raja.
Other Parties Watching Closely
The Tamil Maanila Congress (TVC) is also monitoring these developments very closely. The January 23 public meeting is being touted as Prime Minister Modi's first election rally in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming cycle. TVC has its own strategic interests. The party hopes to bring AMMK and former chief minister O. Panneerselvam into its coalition, particularly if they do not join the NDA.
TVK chief coordinator K.A. Sengottaiyan has reiterated his party's stance. He claims that more AIADMK leaders are likely to join TVK after January 23. Meanwhile, former chief minister O. Panneerselvam, who has not yet received an invitation to Modi's rally, is reportedly holding talks with TVK. A former AIADMK MLA who supports Panneerselvam provided insight into his position. "He is still waiting for a signal from the NDA and sees TVK as a fallback option," the MLA said.
The political landscape in Tamil Nadu is poised for significant revelation. All stakeholders await the outcomes of Prime Minister Modi's Chengalpattu rally with great interest.
