Chennai, Jan 6: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday asserted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would form the government in Tamil Nadu after the 2026 Assembly elections, even as alliance partner AIADMK struck a differing note, saying it would come to power on its own.
Addressing a BJP rally in Pudukottai at the conclusion of the ‘Tamilagam Thalai Nimira Tamilanin Payanam’ yatra, Shah called upon the people of Tamil Nadu to unite under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and begin what he described as a “revolutionary journey” for the State.
“The NDA will form the government in Tamil Nadu in 2026,” Shah said, adding that the BJP, AIADMK and other NDA constituents would soon forge a strong alliance to defeat the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). “However long it may take, we will end the DMK regime and ultimately remove it from power,” he said.
Recalling past alliances, Shah said the BJP and AIADMK had contested elections together in 1998, 2019 and 2021. He claimed that had the two parties fought the 2024 Lok Sabha elections together, their combined vote share would have translated into victories in as many as 26 parliamentary constituencies.
Shah also launched a sharp attack on the DMK government, alleging it had failed to fulfil most of its poll promises and had not ensured the safety of women. He accused the ruling party of promoting dynasty politics and curbing Hindu religious rights, and called for NDA majorities in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in 2026.
Rejecting allegations that the NDA was “anti-Tamil”, the Home Minister cited steps taken by the Modi government, including allowing Tamil as an optional language in IAS and IPS examinations, the use of Tamil in railway announcements, and cultural initiatives such as the establishment of a Tamil chair in Varanasi and translation of the *Thirukkural* into multiple languages.
Meanwhile, AIADMK general secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) reiterated that the AIADMK would form the next government on its own. Addressing a public meeting in Salem as part of his ‘Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom’ campaign, Palaniswami expressed confidence that the party would secure a clear majority in the 2026 Assembly polls.
“The AIADMK will come to power and form the government on its own,” he said, while also targeting the DMK. Palaniswami alleged that people were living in fear under the present regime and claimed the government had remained inactive for most of its tenure, becoming active only as elections approached.
The contrasting assertions by the BJP and AIADMK leaders come amid early political positioning ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
