AIADMK general secretary and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 25, 2025, at his residence in New Delhi, fueling speculation about a possible revival of the AIADMK-BJP alliance ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections. AIADMK leader M Thambidurai was also present at the meeting.

This meeting has triggered political chatter in Tamil Nadu as both parties explore the possibility of rebuilding their ties after a bitter split in September 2023. According to sources, Palaniswami discussed several key issues with Shah, including concerns over the imposition of Hindi in Tamil Nadu and the party’s stance on maintaining Tamil identity.

AIADMK-BJP Alliance: A Brief History

The AIADMK-BJP alliance was a crucial factor in previous elections. However, the AIADMK snapped ties with the BJP in September 2023 in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections due to disagreements with the BJP’s state leadership. The differences emerged when AIADMK leaders expressed their displeasure over the aggressive political approach of Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai.

AIADMK leaders had earlier met BJP chief JP Nadda and demanded that Annamalai either apologize for his controversial remarks on Dravidian stalwart CN Annadurai or be replaced. The BJP, however, stood by Annamalai, leading to the fallout. Since then, Annamalai has softened his stance on AIADMK, paving the way for possible reconciliation.

What Does a Revived AIADMK-BJP Alliance Mean?

Political analysts believe that a revived AIADMK-BJP alliance could pose a formidable challenge to the ruling DMK-led INDIA bloc in the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The AIADMK has witnessed a steady erosion of its vote share in recent years, both in Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

On the other hand, the BJP, which has been trying to strengthen its foothold in Tamil Nadu, failed to secure a seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. With an eye on expanding its presence in Tamil Nadu, the BJP is likely to consider an alliance with AIADMK as a strategic move to consolidate anti-DMK votes.

Political Landscape in Tamil Nadu

In the 2019 assembly elections, the DMK secured 133 seats in the 234-member House, leaving the AIADMK and BJP with limited political space. While the DMK-led INDIA bloc continues to enjoy a stronghold in Tamil Nadu, the BJP has been vocal about DMK’s alleged corruption and divisive politics, especially over the language issue.

The BJP has often accused the DMK of using the language issue to deflect attention from corruption allegations. With both parties gearing up for the 2025 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, a renewed AIADMK-BJP alliance could alter the political equation in the state.

Challenges for the AIADMK-BJP Alliance

While the potential revival of the AIADMK-BJP alliance seems promising, there are several challenges that both parties need to address before formalizing the tie-up:

• Internal Differences: AIADMK has been dealing with internal factionalism, which may affect alliance negotiations.

• State Leadership Issues: The BJP's state leadership, especially K Annamalai's aggressive approach, was a key reason for the alliance break in 2023. Addressing these issues will be critical for smooth functioning.

• Voter Sentiment: Both parties will have to gauge voter sentiment carefully, as Tamil Nadu has traditionally been averse to national parties dictating terms to regional players.

DMK’s Stronghold and Opposition Strategy

The ruling DMK, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, continues to hold significant sway over Tamil Nadu politics. The DMK-led INDIA bloc has successfully retained its voter base by focusing on regional pride, anti-Hindi sentiments, and welfare schemes. However, the potential AIADMK-BJP reunion could attract anti-DMK votes and create a strong opposition alliance capable of challenging the DMK in the 2025 elections.

BJP’s Strategy to Expand in Tamil Nadu

The BJP has been eyeing a bigger political footprint in Tamil Nadu. With a strong focus on cultural nationalism and regional outreach, the party aims to penetrate Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. A tie-up with AIADMK could be instrumental in giving BJP the necessary leverage to make inroads into the state.

Conclusion: Will the Alliance Happen?

The AIADMK-BJP alliance could significantly alter the political dynamics in Tamil Nadu if it is revived. However, with internal challenges and voter perceptions to manage, both parties will need to tread carefully. As the Tamil Nadu assembly elections approach, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether AIADMK and BJP can put aside their differences and forge a strong alliance capable of taking on the DMK-led INDIA bloc.

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