BJP begins talks with PMK, DMDK for Tamil Nadu alliance
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has initiated political discussions with the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) as it seeks to rebuild and strengthen the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu in preparation for the 2026 assembly elections. Newly appointed state BJP president Nainar Nagendran confirmed that the party’s central leadership will lead the talks to explore possible collaborations.
Nagendran emphasized the history of cooperation between the parties, stating, “The central leadership will hold discussions with them (PMK and DMDK). All of us have been in alliance together before. We will work it out.”
AIADMK rejoins NDA fold
This outreach comes on the heels of a renewed understanding between the BJP and AIADMK. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently announced that the AIADMK would lead the NDA campaign in Tamil Nadu, with Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) named the chief ministerial face for the 2026 elections.
The AIADMK had exited the NDA in 2023, primarily due to internal friction caused by then BJP state president K. Annamalai. With Annamalai replaced by Nagendran, the BJP is now focusing on smoothing over past tensions and consolidating support.
PMK in leadership dispute as BJP eyes unity
As alliance-building gains momentum, internal leadership turbulence in PMK has emerged as a concern. Party founder S. Ramadoss declared his intention to reassume leadership from his son and current Rajya Sabha MP, Anbumani Ramadoss. However, Anbumani has maintained that he remains the duly elected president, officially recognized by the Election Commission.
Anbumani reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s goals, stating, “I will continue to serve as the president of the Pattali Makkal Katchi… My primary duty is to achieve the political goals of Ayya (his father Ramadoss) and steer the PMK to add glory to him.”
The BJP is reportedly hoping to resolve these leadership challenges within the PMK to ensure a cohesive NDA front. Talks with the DMDK are also underway, particularly since the party had previously aligned with AIADMK after distancing itself from the BJP in 2023.
As political preparations begin to take shape for 2026, the BJP’s efforts at alliance consolidation are aimed at countering the dominance of the ruling DMK and enhancing its own electoral prospects in the state.
