Chennai, India – July 7, 2025: K. Selvaperunthagai, the president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, on Monday expressed strong doubts about the alliance between the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu State Assembly elections. He claimed that AIADMK’s grassroots workers are unlikely to support the BJP and its leaders, predicting that voters will deliver a strong verdict against the alliance in the upcoming polls.
Speaking to reporters, Selvaperunthagai criticized the AIADMK-BJP partnership, stating that it goes against the sentiments of AIADMK’s cadre, who have historically opposed the BJP’s ideology. “The AIADMK workers will never accept the BJP’s leadership or its agenda,” he said, adding that the people of Tamil Nadu are ready to reject the alliance in the 2026 elections.
Tamil Nadu, a southern Indian state known for its strong regional identity and Dravidian political legacy, has been a challenging ground for the BJP, which has struggled to gain a foothold due to cultural and ideological differences. The AIADMK, a major regional party, recently revived its alliance with the BJP after a brief split, aiming to challenge the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led coalition, which includes the Congress.
Selvaperunthagai emphasized the strength of the DMK-Congress alliance, asserting that it remains united and committed to addressing the needs of Tamil Nadu’s people. “Our alliance is focused on welfare and development, and the people trust us to deliver,” he said, expressing confidence that the DMK-led coalition would retain power in 2026.
The Congress leader’s remarks come amid growing political activity in Tamil Nadu, with major parties launching campaigns to strengthen their positions ahead of the elections. The AIADMK, led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, has initiated a statewide campaign to criticize the DMK government’s performance, while the BJP is holding zonal meetings to mobilize its workers and coordinate with allies.
However, tensions within the AIADMK-BJP alliance have surfaced, with some AIADMK leaders expressing unease about a potential coalition government, a concept that has historically been unpopular in Tamil Nadu. Political observers note that the entry of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) could further complicate the electoral landscape, potentially splitting opposition votes.
As Tamil Nadu gears up for a highly competitive election, Selvaperunthagai’s comments highlight the challenges facing the AIADMK-BJP alliance and the confidence of the DMK-Congress coalition in retaining voter support. The 2026 elections are expected to be a critical test for all parties in this politically vibrant state.
