EPS-Shah Meet Intensifies Buzz on BJP, AIADMK Ties

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday called on Union home minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah amid speculation of a possible tie-up between the former allies ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly polls, with people aware of the matter saying both parties may set up a steering committee to work out the alliance modalities.

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran and Divya Chandrababu

Smriti Kak Ramachandran and Divya Chandrababu [e-mail] NEW DELHI/CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday called on Union home minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah amid speculation of a possible tie-up between the former allies ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly polls, with people aware of the matter saying both parties may set up a steering committee to work out the alliance modalities.

According to leaders aware of the details, there have been several rounds of talks between the leadership of the two parties in the state.

"The natural course of action is meeting the leadership in Delhi as the final call will be taken here. Both the parties are keen for an alliance. Once it is done, we would be speaking to other parties in Tamil Nadu for a broader alliance before next assembly polls," a senior BJP leader said, requesting anonymity.

AIADMK leaders aware of the talks said there was an "in-principle" agreement for an alliance to take on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led grouping, which swept the Lok Sabha polls last summer.