Overview

• AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami told supporters that groundwork for an NDA alliance had begun, highlighting TVK flags seen at his rally as a sign of progress.
• TVK, through general secretary Bussy Anand, rejected talk of any pact with AIADMK or the NDA and said those waving TVK flags at AIADMK events were not party members.
• The Karur stampede that killed 41 people formed the backdrop to the outreach, with Palaniswami backing a CBI probe and faulting the state government in campaign remarks.
• Deccan Chronicle reported that Palaniswami spoke to Vijay by phone on October 6 and that the BJP has offered legal assistance related to the stampede, moves the parties have not confirmed.
• Reporting suggests Vijay is weighing options that could either place TVK with an AIADMK–BJP bloc or create a separate front with Congress, a choice that would shape the 2026 contest.