Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai, once known for his strong opposition to an alliance with the AIADMK, has taken a surprising turn in his political stance.
Fresh from a sabbatical at the University of Oxford, where he participated in the prestigious Chevening Gurukul Fellowship, Annamalai hinted at the possibility of mending ties with the AIADMK—a party he had openly antagonized before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
When asked about the future of a BJP-AIADMK alliance, Annamalai said, “There is enough time to take a call on the AIADMK alliance… Let’s wait and see how it evolves in 2025. By 2026, our priority is to unseat the DMK. Whether this involves uniting with the AIADMK or expanding the NDA alliance further, all possibilities remain open.”
From Fallout to Possibility
This measured tone marks a significant departure from Annamalai’s earlier confrontational approach, which many in the BJP blamed for the September 2023 breakup with the AIADMK. His scathing remarks on AIADMK icons deepened the rift, leading the two parties to contest the 2024 general elections separately. The BJP’s failure to win a single seat underscored the cost of this division.
Unsurprisingly, the AIADMK has dismissed any talk of reconciliation. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami reiterated that “there is no alliance with the BJP,” while senior spokesperson Kovai Sathyan accused Annamalai of attempting to disrupt their party, comparing his efforts to the Shiv Sena split in Maharashtra.
Oxford Influence on Strategy
Senior BJP leaders have noted Annamalai’s softened stance since his three-month fellowship in the UK, which focused on leadership and strategic decision-making. “If you call it a U-turn, it’s a U-turn inspired by his time at Oxford,” said a senior BJP leader.
An RSS leader speculated that Annamalai might now recognize the necessity of repairing ties with the AIADMK to maintain political relevance in Tamil Nadu.
Rising Challenges: Vijay and Shifting Alliances
The political landscape in Tamil Nadu has evolved significantly with the emergence of actor-turned-politician Vijay. His Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party has disrupted the status quo, targeting the BJP and DMK while sparing the AIADMK. Speculation about a Vijay-AIADMK alliance adds to the BJP’s challenges.
Such an alliance could marginalize the BJP further, especially if key allies like the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) align with the AIADMK. This scenario would leave the BJP dependent on weaker allies like O. Panneerselvam and T.T.V. Dhinakaran.
The Road to 2026
Annamalai has expressed optimism about a “vastly changed poll scenario” by 2026, envisioning a non-Dravidian party forming the government. He believes Tamil Nadu voters are yearning for a new political culture.
However, with rising competition and evolving alliances, Annamalai’s ability to steer the BJP through Tamil Nadu’s complex political dynamics will be a test of his leadership and strategic acumen. Whether the BJP rekindles its alliance with the AIADMK or takes an independent path, the journey to 2026 promises to reshape Tamil Nadu’s political narrative.