With the Tamil Nadu assembly elections slated for early next year, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is moving in “mission mode” to strengthen its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and prevent a split in the anti-DMK vote. Party insiders say BJP’s strategy focuses on consolidating smaller parties under the NDA banner to maximize electoral gains and counter the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
Key discussions have already begun between BJP and its alliance partners. AIADMK leader E Palaniswami (EPS) recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to deliberate on election strategy, including the potential return of leaders previously expelled from AIADMK. EPS reportedly told Shah that re-inducting these leaders could threaten alliance unity, though both parties have agreed to launch a joint campaign next month to address public issues concerning the DMK government.
The BJP is also eyeing former Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS), who may join the party by December or January—a move that could be controversial within AIADMK ranks. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Tamil superstar Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), remains under debate. AIADMK believes Vijay could attract votes from the Agadi caste, but BJP strategists feel his presence may only split DMK votes rather than boost the NDA.
Differences persist over other potential allies like TT Dhinakaran and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). BJP sources say Dhinakaran’s Thevar community base could strengthen the NDA if AIADMK does not bring him back. There is also speculation that VK Sasikala, a close aide of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, could campaign for the alliance.
The last assembly election in 2021, the first after the passing of Jayalalithaa and DMK’s M. Karunanidhi, saw the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) winning 159 of 234 seats. The NDA, including AIADMK, secured 75 seats, with the AIADMK itself winning 66. Analysts note that the overall vote margin between the major alliances was a narrow 6%, highlighting the critical importance of preventing vote fragmentation in the upcoming polls.
