EPS-Amit Shah Hold Crucial Talks: Will AIADMK Rejoin NDA Ahead Of Tamil Nadu Elections?

Discussions between AIADMK and BJP leaders have reportedly been ongoing for weeks with Tamil Nadu-based party cautious about aligning again with the BJP amid controversies.

In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, AIADMK and BJP previously allied with each other.

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AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Tuesday, marking the first formal discussions between the two parties reportedly regarding a potential alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Reports suggested that multiple rounds of talks may occur before a final decision is made on whether the AIADMK will rejoin the NDA, an alliance Palaniswami has so far been hesitant to re-enter, reported Indian Express. Discussions between AIADMK and BJP leaders have reportedly been ongoing for weeks with the Tamil Nadu-based party cautious about aligning again with the BJP amid controversies surrounding delimitation and National Education Policy.

However, the meeting is being seen as a strategic move with just over a year remaining until the state elections.

Former Tamil Nadu CM and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, today.

(Source: HMO) pic.twitter.com/asW2a3qnL6

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2025

In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, AIADMK and BJP previously allied with each other. In the polls, the BJP secured four seats. However, their partnership dissolved on September 21, 2023, amid growing tensions under Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai’s leadership, reported The News Minute.

The reports indicate that Palaniswami has concerns about Annamalai’s role and may seek to limit his influence as a condition for any renewed partnership, reported India Today.

Meanwhile, the political landscape in Tamil Nadu dominated by Dravidian parties, AIADMK and DMK, has witnessed a shift with the emergence of actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). In light of these developments, AIADMK appears to be reassessing its strategy, and political analysts believe the talks with Amit Shah could signal an effort to consolidate opposition forces against the DMK.