AIADMK may rejoin BJP before Tamil Nadu polls

Speculation is rising about a possible alliance between the AIADMK and the BJP as Edappadi K Palaniswami, the AIADMK leader, visits Delhi. With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections coming in 2026, many are wondering if the AIADMK will mend ties with its former ally. Palaniswami is in Delhi today and may meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The AIADMK has publicly stated that he is there to visit the party office, which recently opened with a cost of ₹10 crore. However, sources suggest that a meeting with Shah could lead to the AIADMK rejoining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Since parting ways with the BJP in September 2023, the AIADMK has resisted the idea of a renewed alliance. In February, the party dismissed any possibility of collaboration while 16 of its leaders joined the BJP. Despite this, Shah hinted in a recent interview that reconciliation was not out of the question. Prior to his visit, AIADMK and BJP leaders had discussed various issues in Tamil Nadu. Palaniswami is expected to explain the complexities of the three-language policy and upcoming changes in district boundaries to BJP leaders. Historically, the AIADMK had joined forces with the BJP after the death of its leader Jayalalithaa in 2016. However, they broke off the alliance in 2023 after defeat in recent elections. As reported, the AIADMK now feels it has no choice but to align with the BJP to remain relevant in Tamil Nadu. The launch of a new political party by actor Vijay, titled Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), adds pressure on the AIADMK. The party is reportedly demanding that the BJP establish a high-powered committee to improve coordination between the two parties, which would have authority over the Tamil Nadu BJP president. The BJP is in need of partners, especially as it has limited influence in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister, MK Stalin, commented on Palaniswami's visit, questioning the purpose of his meetings in Delhi. He emphasized the opposition's firm stance against the three-language policy.