AIADMK, BJP Begin Seat-Sharing Talks for TN Polls
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have initiated formal seat-sharing discussions ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Senior leaders from both parties met in Chennai to begin preliminary negotiations as part of efforts to strengthen their alliance in the state.
Leaders hold initial discussions
The talks involved AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and senior BJP leaders tasked with overseeing the party’s election strategy in Tamil Nadu. The meeting focused on reviving coordination between the two parties and exploring ways to present a united opposition against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
Focus beyond seat allocation
While seat-sharing is expected to be a central issue in the coming months, leaders indicated that the initial round of discussions concentrated on broader political strategy. Topics included organisational strengthening, booth-level coordination, and joint outreach programmes aimed at consolidating votes across regions.
Alliance context
The AIADMK and BJP are part of the National Democratic Alliance at the national level, though their relationship in Tamil Nadu has seen fluctuations in recent years. The renewed dialogue signals an attempt to stabilise the alliance well ahead of the Assembly elections, which will be held for all 234 constituencies in the state.
Way forward
Both parties said that further rounds of talks will be held to finalise seat-sharing arrangements and bring clarity on campaign roles. Leaders stressed that early coordination would help avoid last-minute negotiations and improve electoral preparedness.
