Union Home Minister Amit Shah made headlines during his visit to Chennai as he strongly criticised the DMK government, questioned Chief Minister MK Stalin’s commitment to the Tamil language, accused the ruling party of massive corruption, and announced a strategic BJP-AIADMK alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

BJP's Support for Tamil Language and Culture

At a press conference held at the BJP headquarters in Chennai, Amit Shah stated, “The BJP respects Tamil language, Tamil people and Tamil culture.” This remark came in the context of the ongoing three-language row, which has stirred intense debates in Tamil Nadu where linguistic identity remains a sensitive political subject.

Shah accused the DMK government of ignoring significant educational demands, particularly those related to offering professional courses like medicine and engineering in Tamil medium. He said, “Wherever there is an NDA government, students can study medicine and engineering in their mother tongue. But I have been asking Stalin for the last three years to implement this in Tamil Nadu.”

He challenged Stalin directly by asking, “Can Stalin say what he has done for Tamil?” — a clear attempt to portray the BJP as more supportive of Tamil than the state’s ruling party.

Serious Allegations of Corruption Against DMK

Amit Shah didn’t stop at education and language issues. He launched a scathing attack on the DMK government over corruption allegations, stating that the party had been involved in liquor, sand mining, MNREGA scams, and cash-for-job scandals, collectively amounting to ₹39,000 crore.

He demanded accountability from Chief Minister Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin, who is also a cabinet minister. “Now Stalin and Udhayanidhi should give answers to all this,” Shah said, turning up the heat in the run-up to upcoming electoral battles.

These accusations were meant not only to damage the DMK's image ahead of elections but also to project the BJP as a clean alternative, aligning with the narrative the party often pursues across states.

Countering Opposition Narratives on NEET and Delimitation

Amit Shah also touched upon two major flashpoints in Tamil Nadu politics: the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the delimitation of constituencies. These are issues frequently used by the opposition to criticise the BJP government at the Centre, with accusations that such policies marginalise Tamil Nadu.

However, Shah dismissed these concerns, claiming that opposition parties, including the DMK, are using NEET and delimitation as distraction tools to divert public attention from their failures and corruption.

He further said, “We will sit with AIADMK (whose stance differs from BJP on these issues) and discuss. If needed, there will be a common minimum programme.”

AIADMK-BJP Alliance for 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls

The most significant political development announced during the press conference was the BJP’s decision to continue its alliance with AIADMK for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Amit Shah was joined by Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), the AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Together, they reaffirmed their political partnership, sending a clear message to the DMK and other opposition parties about the strength of the NDA bloc in the state.

This announcement has crucial implications. The BJP, which has struggled to gain a solid footing in Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian-dominated political landscape, hopes to leverage AIADMK’s regional influence and expand its own footprint in the state.

Three-Language Row: A Lingering Flashpoint

The three-language formula has been a longstanding issue in Tamil Nadu. The Centre’s push for Hindi as a third language has been resisted fiercely by Tamil parties, particularly DMK, which sees it as a threat to Tamil linguistic identity.

By declaring BJP’s respect for Tamil culture and language, and attacking Stalin for not doing enough for the Tamil medium in education, Shah attempted to reshape the perception of the BJP in the state. His pitch appears to be a strategic counter to the anti-Hindi sentiment, trying to convince voters that BJP isn’t anti-Tamil.

Impact on Tamil Nadu Politics

The statements and announcements made by Amit Shah during this press meet are likely to reshape political dynamics in Tamil Nadu. His sharp comments and clear messaging have already set the tone for the 2026 elections, aiming to unify anti-DMK forces under one NDA banner.

Key takeaways from the press conference:

• BJP shows a pro-Tamil stance, directly countering DMK’s narrative.

• Strong corruption allegations could form the crux of BJP’s campaign in the coming years.

• Alliance with AIADMK gives BJP a stronger organisational base to operate from in Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

Amit Shah’s Chennai visit and his press conference have stirred political waters in Tamil Nadu, drawing battle lines clearly ahead of the 2026 state elections. By combining sharp accusations, cultural affirmations, and electoral strategy, the BJP seems intent on carving out a significant role in Tamil Nadu’s future politics.

His criticism of CM Stalin, allegations of large-scale corruption, and call for Tamil education reforms reflect a multi-pronged strategy aimed at gaining traction in a state traditionally dominated by regional parties. With the AIADMK alliance reaffirmed, the BJP appears ready for the long game in Tamil Nadu.

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