Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai dismissed any possible alliance with AIADMK for the 2026 election, calling Madurai MLA Sellur Raju’s comments hinting at the same as a “comedy” and a misunderstanding.
Annamalai said the BJP has moved on and is not considering rekindling its alliance with the AIADMK during a press meeting in Chennai today. He was responding to a reporter’s question on Sellur Raju.
The state BJP chief used the opportunity to criticize the AIADMK and its MLAs, asserting that the BJP has chosen a separate path with leaders working towards a unified goal of winning elections. In contrast, he noted the inconsistency in the statements of AIADMK MLAs, who claim they are not interested in alliances but then ask for them, which he finds ironic.
Annamalai said, “If someone today says there should be an alliance and there should not, it shows their fear. We are clearly going on our path. We have identified and shown the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders, not just once or twice. We are speaking unanimously on many stages, and all leaders are working tirelessly. We have placed the 2026 election as a coalition government before the people on one side. On the other hand, we are not speaking about other parties.”
He later said the AIADMK was unnecessarily issuing statements about the alliance. “You tell me if someone says ten times that I’m not going to ally with you. They keep saying we wont form an alliance tomorrow, on the third day, and on the tenth day, then I am in doubt if they are inviting us for an alliance. We have decided not to ally and have started our work. Hence, the former ministers and honourable leaders’ statements are like a comedy to me.”
Annamalai also expressed surprise at the misinterpretation of his speech at the Tirupur conference, which he believes has led to misleading statements. Annamalai ridiculed that, “To tell you I’ve forgotten that there is a party called ADMK, and we are doing our work.”
Previously speaking in Tiruppur, Annamalai highlighted a decline in vote shares for the two major Dravidian parties, noting that those with 40% support have dropped to 30%, 26%, and 19%. He remarked that if the AIADMK and DMK declare a willingness for a coalition government in Tamil Nadu for the 2026 elections, it could alter the political landscape. Annamalai emphasized that the BJP is closely monitoring the situation and suggested that a shift could occur if these parties explicitly use the term “coalition government”.
Annamalai said, “Parties that had a vote share of 40% have decreased to 30%, 26%, and 19%. If, in the 2026 Assembly election, the AIADMK and DMK declare that they are ready for a coalition government in Tamil Nadu, then the political landscape will change. We are not fools, and we are keenly watching the politics. For this to change differently, the DMK and AIADMK should take it into their hands, meaning they should use the word ‘coalition government.’ The DMK will not use that term, and I don’t know about the AIADMK. If they say it will be a coalition government, then change is possible.”
In response, Sellur Raju appeared to have misinterpreted Annamalai’s comments. Raju criticized Annamalai’s remarks, questioning whether Annamalai’s statements implied that AIADMK should request seats from the BJP and said, “It’s like ADMK should ask him for a seat. Is he a leader? Look at how he speaks. If AIADMK comes to such a position, we will die.”
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