They say in politics, there is no permanent friend or foe. Given that the 2026 Assembly elections are just a year away, the political landscape could possibly see new alliances being forged. And if it is a grand alliance to serve one common goal, wouldn’t that be a good strategy?

With this in mind and the recent storm brewing in the AIADMK, one can theorize that the party’s veteran leader K.A. Sengottaiyan could be a potential Chief Ministerial face for a possible AIADMK-BJP alliance. While no official announcements have been made, one can make probable inferences that the BJP might consider backing Sengottaiyan as part of a broader strategy to consolidate opposition forces against the DMK and to checkmate Edappadi Palaniswami. This theory has also been put forward by former AIADMK IT Wing head ‘Aspire’ Swaminathan.

Why Sengottaiyan?

The idea of Sengottaiyan as a consensus candidate is an interesting one. Sengottaiyan, a seasoned politician who has held multiple ministerial portfolios in the past, is no stranger to the rough-and-tough of Tamil Nadu politics. Speaking of rough and tough, this seemingly calm and docile man once punched the late DMK patriarch Karunanidhi’s face during a fiery Assembly session in 1989, shattering his spectacles—a fact even Karunanidhi himself admitted.

In 2017, before Edappadi K. Palaniswami seized the opportunity at Koovathur, senior leaders and cadres had unanimously proposed Sengottaiyan to lead the party and the state following Jayalalithaa’s demise. After EPS’s ascent, he was gradually pushed to the sidelines within his own party. A stalwart who had been with AIADMK since its inception, worked closely with MGR, and was personally credited by Jayalalithaa for his organizational prowess, a senior to EPS – was systematically sidelined, denied key positions, and left watching from the margins. it does make for a compelling underdog story.

Hailing from the same Gounder community as EPS and Annamalai, this man does become formidable. And when both Sengottaiyan and Annamalai are in one camp, that puts EPS in a tricky situation.

So, Sengottaiyan’s name as a potential CM face can be an attempt to appeal to the AIADMK’s traditional voter base. Some suggest that Annamalai, BJP Tamil Nadu’s state chief, might be open to the idea as part of a long-term plan to establish a stronger foothold in the state and to checkmate EPS.

A Grand Anti-DMK Alliance In The Making?

This theory gains attention in the context of a possible grand anti-DMK alliance. One can speculate that the AIADMK, BJP, PMK, AMMK, the OPS faction, DMDK, Puthiya Tamilagam, IJK, TMC, and others could be potential allies. If such an alliance does materialize, it could alter Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics significantly. After all, the common “enemy” is the DMK, so why not set aside differences, join hands, and work towards the common goal?

While AIADMK remains divided between the Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) and O. Panneerselvam (OPS) factions, and taking into account the recent events, one can argue that Sengottaiyan, as a senior leader, could be a consensus candidate. His long-standing loyalty to MGR and J Jayalalithaa as well as his successful elections may also make him a palatable choice for BJP’s Central leadership.

If the BJP were to support Sengottaiyan, it could be a tactical move—prioritizing alliance-building over immediate power. Annamalai, known for his aggressive campaigning, could use the 2026 elections to strengthen BJP’s position while keeping his own future ambitions open for 2031.

The DMK Factor

Regardless of any potential alliances, the DMK remains a formidable force in Tamil Nadu. With strong cadre support, freebies, and a well-known face that is M.K. Stalin, the opposition faces a tough challenge. While there may be talk of a united front against DMK, translating this into electoral success would require more than just theoretical alliances.

If the NDA does indeed go with Sengottaiyan, its strategy will likely hinge on two key factors: unity and voter fatigue. By presenting a united front, the alliance could capitalize on any anti-incumbency sentiment against the DMK government. Sengottaiyan’s moderate image and electoral experience might also appeal to undecided voters looking for a steady hand at the helm.

Who Is Willing To Wait For The Longer Game?

However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The AIADMK, once a dominant force in the state, has been struggling to regain its footing since the death of J Jayalalithaa. The BJP, despite its best efforts, remains a marginal player in Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian political landscape. And while the inclusion of smaller parties adds numerical strength, it also raises the risk of internal friction and conflicting ambitions.

In politics, as in life, timing is everything. If the AIADMK-BJP alliance does happen, Sengottaiyan will be a pivot. It will show that Annamalai is willing to play the long game.

Meanwhile it is important for the over-enthusiastic keyboard warriors on either sides to refrain from mudslinging. You’re only sabotaging a winnable chemistry ultimately benefitting the enemy.

The coming months will reveal whether this idea of Sengottaiyan as the CM face gains traction or fades away as yet another storm in a teacup.

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