New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday welcomed AIADMK’s return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), expressing confidence that the renewed partnership would accelerate Tamil Nadu’s progress. In a social media post, Modi said the alliance, inspired by the legacy of MGR and Jayalalithaa, aims to deliver a corruption-free, culturally rooted government while unseating the DMK.
Stronger together, united towards Tamil Nadu’s progress!
Glad that AIADMK joins the NDA family. Together, with our other NDA partners, we will take Tamil Nadu to new heights of progress and serve the state diligently. We will ensure a government that fulfils the vision of the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 11, 2025
Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a joint press conference in Chennai alongside AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami and BJP state chief K. Annamalai, confirmed the two parties would contest the 2026 assembly elections together, with EPS leading the alliance. Shah assured that the BJP would not interfere in AIADMK’s internal affairs and hinted at the formation of a common minimum programme if necessary.
The Tamil Nadu BJP has received a nomination for the post of state president only from Shri @NainarBJP Ji.
As the President of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit, Shri @annamalai_k Ji has made commendable accomplishments. Whether it is carrying the policies of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji to…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 11, 2025
Recalling the historic 1998 BJP-AIADMK sweep of 30 out of 39 Lok Sabha seats, Shah projected a strong NDA performance in Tamil Nadu. On the leadership change in BJP’s state unit, Shah announced the replacement of K. Annamalai with Nainar Nagenthiran, thanking Annamalai for his “unprecedented contributions” and hinting at his continued role in the party’s national structure.
The BJP clarified that the alliance decision was independent of the leadership reshuffle. However, reports suggest Annamalai’s removal aims to balance caste dynamics within the alliance as it prepares to challenge the ruling DMK-Congress front in 2026.
