Tamil Nadu Set for Political shift? NDA Eyes 2026 Victory, AIADMK Responds wiht Caution
Chennai, India – june 28, 2025 – A bold claim by Union Home Minister Amit Shah that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will form the government in Tamil Nadu after the 2026 assembly elections has ignited a political firestorm in the southern indian state. The statement, made in an interview with Tamil daily Dina Thanthi, signals the BJP‘s ambition to expand its footprint in a region historically dominated by Dravidian parties [[1]].
Shah’s assertion comes amidst a renewed alliance between the BJP and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), forged after a period of strained relations following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While the two parties fought separately in the recent national elections – with the AIADMK suffering a important setback and the BJP achieving its best-ever performance in the state despite winning no seats – discussions about a renewed partnership began instantly after the results [[1]].
however, the AIADMK has responded with measured caution. Spokesperson C Vaigaichelvan contradicted Shah’s claim, stating that Tamil Nadu has historically rejected coalition governments and that the party’s primary goal remains defeating the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) [[1]]. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) is expected to address the issue in more detail.
This isn’t the first time Shah has alluded to a potential NDA coalition in tamil Nadu,causing similar confusion between the allies earlier this year. Clarifications were then issued by both BJP and AIADMK leaders