Chennai: Because the Nationwide Democratic Alliance, in tamil nadu The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Friday formally launched its marketing campaign for the 2026 parliamentary elections with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handle. massive Former chief minister O. Panneerselvam was not current on the rally in Madurantagam.
Regardless of being very a lot on the NDA’s political radar. Forward of parliamentary votes scheduled for April-CouldPanneerselvam is but to be accepted into the alliance and AIADMK common secretary Edappadi Ok. Palaniswami (EPS) is but to present the ultimate go-ahead.
“OPS has been instructed to attend. The management has not allowed him to enter the nation but,” a senior BJP chief instructed ThePrint.
AIADMK common secretary Edappadi Ok. Palaniswami (EPS) and common secretary O. Panneerselvam (OPS) have been politically estranged ever since a management contest broke out between them in 2016 following the demise of former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa. Over time, EPS has tightened its grip on the celebration.
After the factional divide between OPS and EPS widened, the AIADMK Basic Meeting abolished the twin management system in 2022, elevated EPS to interim common secretary, and eliminated OPS and its supporters from the celebration’s core membership.
Since then, OPS’s makes an attempt to reconcile with EPS and return to a unified AIADMK have repeatedly failed.
Nevertheless, OPS is now assured of becoming a member of the NDA alliance for the 2026 meeting elections. Chatting with reporters in Chennai early within the day, he stated every little thing can be resolved within the subsequent few weeks.
“Please give us two extra weeks. Every part will probably be sorted out and finalized,” he instructed reporters.
In accordance with individuals acquainted with the negotiations, there are two causes for EPS’s reluctance. First, Mr. Panneerselvam insists on contesting the election utilizing the AIADMK’s ‘two leaves’ election image, which implies he’ll grow to be a member of the AIADMK.
Second, OPS and his supporters proceed to legally problem EPS’s management and the circumstances surrounding his appointment as celebration common secretary, with the case nonetheless pending earlier than the Delhi Excessive Courtroom and the Election Fee of India.
“So long as he challenges the management, EPS has no intention of politically legitimizing OPS. From his standpoint, it will ship a contradictory message,” stated a senior AIADMK official.
in the meantime OPS reintegration Though nonetheless in limbo, the NDA’s marketing campaign launch carried important political symbolism.
PM Modi’s public assembly at Madurantagam in Chengalpattu district was held below the banner of AIADMK-led NDA rally, with alliance companions additionally sharing the stage. Together with AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran.
This overwhelming wave of assist sends a strong message to Tamil Nadu and the whole nation. “Tamil Nadu is now prepared for change.” The individuals need freedom from the misrule of the DMK and are demanding an NDA and a BJP-led authorities.
– afternoon @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/D8jM8NznyT
— BJP (@BTC4India) January 23, 2026
in distinction, EPS-OPS standingTTV Dhinakaran’s entry into the NDA fold went extra easily as his political ambitions usually are not linked to straight difficult the EPS management throughout the AIADMK. VK Sasikala’s nephew Dhinakaran has not made any formal allegations towards the AIADMK and has publicly reaffirmed his dedication to wage a widespread opposition motion to topple the DMK.
The management of AIADMK and AMMK approaching the identical platform marked an sudden political second, contemplating the bitter divisions that adopted the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
“This isn’t only a rally. It’s a message that outdated rivalries will be put apart for 2026,” a Bharatiya Janata Social gathering official instructed ThePrint.
Nevertheless, not all allies attended this high-profile occasion.
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), OPS and Putiya Tamizhagam founder Dr Ok Krishnasamy, who have been all allies of the NDA within the 2021 meeting elections, have been unable to attend the rally and seat-sharing talks are nonetheless inconclusive.
OPS continues to be seen as a possible late entrant, however sources urged that Putiya Tamizhagam is prone to be dominated out utterly.
“The AIADMK and the BJP management assess that Mr. Krishnasamy’s appointment might disrupt the delicate Muklasore vote base within the southern area. The priority isn’t with ideology however with electoral arithmetic. Any disruption to the caste equation within the south might backfire,” stated a BJP official concerned in alliance talks.
Though the chief minister’s rally marks the official begin of the NDA’s 2026 marketing campaign within the state, alliance constructing continues to be a piece in progress.
In the meantime, whereas OPS is pressured to attend and see, his supporters have already began switching sides, with two sitting MLAs, Manoj Pandian PH and Vaithilingam R, resigning from the meeting and becoming a member of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam together with different leaders, together with former MLAs.
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
Additionally learn: The difficulty of survival of Amma’s “chosen ones” — Why OPS has hope for the BJP
