Palaniswami silent on AIADMK-BJP ties, cites election timing

New Delhi

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami avoided confirming whether his party would ally with the BJP for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, despite his recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah sparking speculation.

Palaniswami said his discussion with Shah focused on Tamil Nadu’s pressing issues. He urged the central government to expedite the release of pending funds under various schemes, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and educational programs. He also emphasized the need to uphold Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy and ensure that the proposed delimitation of Parliamentary constituencies does not negatively impact the state.

Additionally, he pushed for the swift implementation of the Godavari-Cauvery river linking project, funding for the Nadanthai Vazhi Cauvery scheme, and strict adherence to the Supreme Court’s order against constructing the Mekedatu dam. Palaniswami also raised concerns about drug-related issues and the TASMAC scam being probed by the Enforcement Directorate. Shah reportedly assured support on these matters.

When questioned about a potential AIADMK-BJP alliance, Palaniswami dismissed the need for an immediate response, pointing out that alliances are finalized closer to elections. He noted that AIADMK’s alliances had changed in past elections, based on political circumstances.

Amid AIADMK’s repeated rejections of a BJP alliance since their split in 2023, Palaniswami reiterated that with elections still a year away, it was premature to speculate on future political partnerships.