Overview

• The BJP has officially partnered with the AIADMK to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, aiming to counter the ruling DMK-led coalition.
• This alliance follows BJP's poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where it failed to secure any seats in Tamil Nadu.
• K. Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP chief, was replaced due to his opposition to aligning with AIADMK, with Nainar Nagendran taking over leadership.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah played a key role in uniting BJP leadership, addressing internal factionalism to ensure a cohesive campaign strategy.
• The partnership is expected to curb AIADMK's independent policy positions, aligning it more closely with BJP's national coalition goals.