Overview

• At the India Today South Conclave on September 8, K. Annamalai said the BJP cannot form the Tamil Nadu government on its own in 2026 and must contest with the AIADMK.
• He cited Amit Shah in confirming Edappadi K. Palaniswami as the NDA’s chief ministerial candidate and urged a clear, unified message to voters.
• Annamalai described the tie-up as a way to increase the number of BJP MLAs and showcase the party’s work at the state level.
• He pledged full commitment to the alliance, saying the BJP would “give our blood” to help make EPS chief minister.
• He ruled out an electoral understanding with Vijay’s TVK, calling the actor an ideological opponent and noting his criticism of both AIADMK and BJP.