Tamil Nadu’s political scene is heating up once again, as the AIADMK and the BJP have reunited ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections. The new alliance has not only evoked sharp reactions from the ruling DMK but has also reignited a war of words over the future of the state’s governance.
Stalin Criticises AIADMK-BJP alliance
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has strongly criticised the move, accusing the AIADMK of subordinating the state’s interests to the BJP for political gains. According to him, the alliance is not based on shared values ​​or a developmental vision but is a direct result of pressure tactics following enforcement raids on some AIADMK leaders and their allies. “The party that once stood for Tamil Nadu’s pride has now become a tool in the hands of Delhi,” Stalin said, calling the alliance a betrayal of Tamil Nadu’s self-respect.
Calling it a “loser’s alliance”, the DMK leader reminded the people of the previous election results in which the AIADMK-BJP alliance had faced continuous setbacks. He also questioned the ideological basis of the new alliance and asked if it would include the AIADMK’s earlier opposition on issues like NEET, three-language policy, Wakf Act amendment and delimitation, which could lead to a reduction in Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary seats.
Modi and Shah back the rekindling of the alliance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the other hand, expressed great optimism about the alliance. In his statement, he welcomed the AIADMK back into the NDA and described the partnership as a united front for the progress of Tamil Nadu. “Together with our NDA partners, our aim is to take Tamil Nadu to new heights and form a government that realises the dreams of MGR and Jayalalithaa,” he said.
Home Minister Amit Shah echoed Modi’s sentiments during his visit to Chennai and announced that the AIADMK would lead the NDA in Tamil Nadu, with Edappadi K. Palaniswami as the state-level leader. Shah also addressed media concerns over policy differences between the parties, saying a common minimum programme would be drawn up to align their goals.
The DMK called it a betrayal of Tamil Nadu
Stalin did not agree. He pointed out that Tamil Nadu’s key concerns—such as the imposition of Hindi and the Centre’s stance on federal rights—were completely ignored in the announcement. They also highlighted that the AIADMK remained silent on issues during the press conference, which proves that the party has been sidelined in favour of the BJP’s central agenda.
DMK leaders, including Kanimozhi, called the reunion a “big betrayal” and predicted that the people of Tamil Nadu would give a befitting reply in the upcoming elections. They also criticised Palaniswami for not protecting the state’s interests or taking a clear stand during the announcement.
Renewed alliance after bitter breakup
The renewed partnership reflects a change in tune, especially after bitter differences in 2023. At that time, the AIADMK had severed ties with the BJP, reportedly due to controversial remarks made by former state BJP chief Annamalai about the late AIADMK icon. Now, with the BJP undergoing internal restructuring and Nainar Nagendran stepping in as the new state party president, the alliance appears to be stable again.
Despite past conflicts, both parties are determined to move forward. Palaniswami expressed gratitude to Modi for the renewed partnership and said the AIADMK will work together with NDA allies to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
A high-stakes battle in 2026
The alliance also comes at a time when both parties are recovering from a dismal performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The AIADMK and the BJP, who contested separately, failed to secure a single seat, while the DMK-led alliance won all 39 constituencies. With the stakes higher than ever, this revived alliance is being seen as a strategic move to consolidate votes and challenge the DMK’s dominance in 2026.
As the countdown to the state elections begins, the re-emergence of the AIADMK-BJP partnership has undoubtedly changed the political dynamics in Tamil Nadu. Whether the alliance will succeed in convincing voters or face yet another electoral setback remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—the AIADMK is back in the spotlight, and the battle for the future of Tamil Nadu has officially begun.
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