BJP and AIADMK's Alliance Strategy for Tamil Nadu Elections
The upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are prompting the BJP to revisit its strategy with the AIADMK, as discussions between the two parties gain momentum. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to meet AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami to focus on expanding their coalition by bringing smaller parties back into the NDA. This move is seen as crucial to consolidate anti-DMK votes in the state.
Recent developments indicate that the BJP is keen on reviving ties with expelled leaders from AIADMK, such as O. Panneerselvam and T. T. V. Dhinakaran, who previously played significant roles in the NDA. However, Palaniswami seems reluctant to reintegrate them, fearing that their presence could threaten his leadership within the party. Despite this, the BJP believes that both leaders command considerable influence within the Thevar community, a vital voter base.
The urgency for the BJP is heightened as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Tamil Nadu later this month. The party aims to present a robust NDA coalition by the time of his visit, which includes finalizing negotiations with the AIADMK and other pro-NDA parties. Union Minister Piyush Goyal has initiated talks on seat-sharing arrangements, which could potentially involve offering seats to smaller parties to ease AIADMK’s concerns.
A notable factor in these negotiations is the recent meeting between former state BJP president K. Annamalai and the party's national leadership. Annamalai, who has expressed critical views about the AIADMK, is viewed as a key player due to his better rapport with OPS and Dhinakaran. His involvement may provide the BJP with a better footing in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, especially considering the challenges the party has faced historically in the state.
In addition to smaller parties, the BJP is keen on engaging actor-politician Vijay, whose following has been largely anti-BJP and anti-DMK. Although efforts to win him over have been unsuccessful so far, some BJP leaders have suggested that allowing the AIADMK and Vijay’s party to collaborate while the BJP remains separate could be a strategic move. However, this idea has yet to materialize into concrete plans.
Amid these developments, there appears to be some friction within the DMK-Congress alliance, with Congress expressing desires for more influence and possibly seeking alliances with smaller parties, including Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. This discontent within the DMK coalition could provide an opportunity for the NDA to capitalize on these fractures and strengthen its position ahead of the elections.
