In a significant push to fortify its position in Tamil Nadu, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accelerated negotiations with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) to craft a broad-based coalition for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The strategy focuses on revitalizing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) by reintegrating key regional players to mount a credible challenge against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led front.
NDA Reunification Gathers Momentum
The political landscape in Tamil Nadu witnessed a major development on Wednesday, January 8, 2026, as the faction of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) led by former Union Minister Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss officially announced its return to the NDA fold. This move came shortly after Ramadoss met with AIADMK chief and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) at the latter's Chennai residence.
Simultaneously, in New Delhi, high-level discussions were scheduled between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Palaniswami, who is currently in the national capital. The agenda centered on the strategic expansion of the alliance, with the BJP's central leadership keen to present a "much stronger and robust NDA" ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to the state later this month.
The Push to Reintegrate Key Leaders
Sources indicate that the BJP's national leadership is actively pushing to bring several influential figures back into the NDA coalition. The list includes:
- O. Panneerselvam (OPS): Expelled AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister.
- T.T.V. Dhinakaran: Leader of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), which was part of the NDA until last year.
- Premalatha Vijaykanth-led DMDK.
The BJP's calculus is driven by the need to consolidate anti-DMK votes. Both OPS and Dhinakaran wield considerable influence within the Thevar community, a powerful Other Backward Class (OBC) group in the southern and Delta regions of Tamil Nadu. Their potential alliance with actor-politician Vijay's burgeoning Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has added urgency to the BJP's outreach efforts.
However, a point of contention exists. Edappadi K. Palaniswami is reportedly not enthusiastic about welcoming OPS and Dhinakaran back into the AIADMK-led bloc, fearing internal challenges to his authority. To overcome this, the BJP, led by its election in-charge for Tamil Nadu Union Minister Piyush Goyal, might offer seats to these smaller parties from its own share in the seat-sharing arrangement to accommodate them within the NDA.
Annamalai's Role and the Vijay Factor
Adding momentum to the alliance-building exercise was a recent meeting in Delhi between the BJP's national leadership and former state party president K. Annamalai. Annamalai, who has historically been critical of the AIADMK but shares better equations with OPS and Dhinakaran, is seen as a key asset. A BJP leader noted that the central leadership now aims to utilize Annamalai's influence in state political circles, which is perceived to be stronger than that of the current state president, Nainar Rajendran.
Beyond the existing players, the BJP also has an eye on actor Vijay's TVK, despite its anti-BJP stance so far. Some within the BJP have even suggested a scenario where the AIADMK and TVK form an alliance, with the BJP contesting alongside smaller parties and offering tacit post-election support. However, a senior leader clarified that this remains merely a suggestion with no concrete developments yet.
Opportunity in Opposition Disarray
The BJP's aggressive alliance restructuring comes at a time when signs of unease have emerged in the rival DMK-Congress coalition. A section within the Congress, the junior partner, is reportedly pushing for a greater share of seats and power or even exploring ties with Vijay's TVK. BJP leaders view this disquiet in the traditionally stable DMK alliance as a significant opportunity, drawing parallels with the strains in the Bihar Mahagathbandhan that benefited the NDA.
With Prime Minister Modi expected to address multiple rallies in Tamil Nadu to kickstart the party's campaign, the BJP is working against the clock to finalize a cohesive and wide-ranging coalition. The objective is clear: to unify the splintered anti-incumbency vote and present a viable alternative to the DMK government in the 2026 electoral battle.
