Since Palaniswami, though present on the stage with Amit Shah during the announcement, did not speak a single word and the BJP honcho too did not reveal the finer details of the agreement between the two parties, his message on X is significant as it does not suggest that the AIADMK had joined the NDA
Chennai: The revival of the AIADMK-BJP alliance that was announced to the media by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Hotel ITC Grand Chola on Friday evoked mixed reactions from various political parties in the State on Saturday with AIADMK general secretary Edappdi K Palaniswami assuring to ‘work closely with NDA allies’ in his rather ambiguous message.
Since Palaniswami, though present on the stage with Amit Shah during the announcement, did not speak a single word and the BJP honcho too did not reveal the finer details of the agreement between the two parties, his message on X is significant as it does not suggest that the AIADMK had joined the NDA.
‘We are honoured to be welcomed into the partnership with NDA. An alliance founded on a shared vision for Tamil Nadu’s progress and prosperity,’ he said, adding, ‘At this pivotal moment, with visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AIADMK will work closely with NDA allies to realize the aspirations of the people and contribute to his transformative vision.’
Without categorically saying that his party was joining the NDA, Palaniswami had said, ‘Together we are committed to building a greater Tamil Nadu – one free of dynastic politics, corruption and misgovernance,’ with the ‘we’ having obvious reference to Modi and not the BJP. In other words, Palanswami is saying that he would be guided by Modi and his party would work closely with NDA partners.
Founder president of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay dismissed the AIADMK-BJP alliance as a thrice rejected coalition and said that the electoral battle in 2026 was between the DMK and the TVK. He said the BJP striking an alliance with the AIADMK was natural as the national party was already in a secret relationship with the DMK.
Crores of people, expecting a change, would defeat both the divisive BJP and anti-people DMK in the elections as they had already realized who could provide a democratic government, Vijay said.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai said the alliance between the AIADMK and BJP had come about after intimidations and behind the screen bargains and referred to Amit Shah arriving in Chennai for that by a special flight.
Pointing to the banner behind the stage in the press conference hall being changed thrice – first NDA, then Tamil Nadu BJP and then again NDA – he said that it suggested the tumultuous bargains that had been going on that day.
Even at the press conference, Palaniswami was not allowed to speak and Amit Shah left in a huff unable to take intrusive questions, he said.
