Key Highlights:
As the BJP and AIADMK weigh the prospects of reviving their alliance in Tamil Nadu, party insiders say that K Annamalai, the state BJP president, may be strategically promoted rather than removed, to appease AIADMK demands without undermining the strong support base he has built in the state.
AIADMK’s Alliance Demand: Annamalai’s Exit?
Sources confirm that during a meeting last week with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) allegedly raised the removal of Annamalai as a precondition for rejoining the NDA alliance. The AIADMK had exited the NDA in September 2023 over Annamalai’s consistent criticism of Dravidian icons CN Annadurai and J Jayalalithaa, causing tensions between the two parties.
However, the BJP leadership appears hesitant to outright demote Annamalai, who is widely credited with reviving the party’s image in Tamil Nadu, particularly among youth and first-time voters.
Annamalai Responds: “Party Comes First”
Speaking to The New Indian Express, Annamalai maintained his characteristic discipline and loyalty, stating:
“I am a party worker, and the party comes first… There will be no trouble for anyone because of me.”
He reiterated that the final word lies with Amit Shah, indicating his willingness to step aside if required for the party’s strategic interest.
Yashwant Deshmukh: “Annamalai Is BJP’s Best Bet in TN”
C-Voter founder Yashwant Deshmukh strongly believes that Annamalai is a core asset for the BJP in Tamil Nadu and not someone the party would sideline easily.
“There is no other BJP leader in Tamil Nadu who registers on the popularity chart like him. After the tragic loss of P Rangarajan Kumaramangalam in 2000 and the political non-starter that was Rajinikanth, BJP has finally found someone worth building around.”
Deshmukh added that the BJP may offer Annamalai a central ministerial role while appointing a new state face acceptable to AIADMK and other anti-DMK regional outfits.
Strategic Promotion Likely: A Balancing Act
Rather than a demotion, Annamalai may be elevated to a Union Ministry, serving a dual purpose:
- Preserve BJP’s credibility and growing base in Tamil Nadu
- Allow AIADMK to rejoin NDA without appearing to compromise on its leadership conditions
This strategic repositioning, BJP insiders believe, would recognise Annamalai’s contributions while enabling smoother alliance negotiations with the AIADMK.
Alliance Talks: What’s at Stake?
The revival of the BJP-AIADMK alliance is crucial for both parties:
- AIADMK, weakened after the 2024 Lok Sabha debacle where it failed to retain even Theni, needs a partner to challenge DMK’s dominance
- BJP, despite its growing grassroots work, lacks deep electoral infrastructure in Tamil Nadu and could benefit from AIADMK’s established base
The NDA currently faces ideological resistance in Tamil Nadu, where the three-language policy and delimitation plans are unpopular. Any alliance must carefully navigate these fault lines.
Amit Shah on Tamil Nadu Talks
In a recent interview, Amit Shah acknowledged the ongoing discussions:
“As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, our friends in AIADMK and our party members are in discussions. Whenever it is announced, it will be known to the nation.”
This statement, while diplomatic, confirms active negotiations and potential restructuring within the state BJP.
Will AIADMK Rejoin the NDA?
AIADMK leader Palaniswami has remained tight-lipped about the future of the alliance. The party continues to publicly oppose BJP policies on multiple fronts, especially on language and federal issues.
However, given the changing political equations post-2024 Lok Sabha elections, many political observers believe that AIADMK may reconsider if BJP signals flexibility on leadership and rhetoric.
BJP’s TN Strategy Hinges on Annamalai’s Repositioning
The fate of the BJP-AIADMK alliance in Tamil Nadu may ultimately hinge on the strategic repositioning of Annamalai. Promoting him to a central ministerial post would preserve the momentum he has built while clearing the path for renewed coalition politics in the state.
As one BJP source put it, “You don’t weaken your strongest player—you give him a bigger stage.”
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