NEW DELHI: As the Assembly elections approach in Tamil Nadu, political momentum is building, with major parties stepping up preparations for a crucial electoral showdown. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have expressed confidence about returning to power, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aligned with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), is aiming to dislodge the incumbent government and end its long absence from power in the state.
To overcome its historical limitations in Tamil Nadu, the BJP is intensifying efforts to broaden its base through cultivated alliances. As the principal party within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), it is seeking to emulate its national coalition model by bringing together smaller regional players under a consolidated front.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who is overseeing the party’s affairs in the state, facilitated the induction of T. T. V. Dhinakaran’s Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) into the NDA. The move is being interpreted as part of the BJP’s broader strategy to construct a formidable “mega alliance” ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.
Tamil Nadu’s political arena has traditionally been dominated by the two Dravidian heavyweights, the DMK and the AIADMK, leaving little room for national parties to gain traction. Nevertheless, the BJP has gradually attempted to increase its foothold by aligning with smaller caste-based and regional outfits. Although the BJP-led alliance did not win any seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in the state, it registered a vote share of 11.38 per cent, reflecting steady growth.
During the parliamentary elections, the BJP allotted 10 seats to the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), which wields considerable influence among the Vanniyar community. It also entered into seat-sharing agreements with the AMMK, the India Jananayaka Katchi (IJK), and the Tamil Nadu Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK).
Political analysts suggest that the BJP’s approach centres on capitalising on the social and regional appeal of smaller parties to widen its grassroots presence. By combining district-level strengths and community-based support, the party hopes to pose a more robust challenge to the DMK in the forthcoming Assembly contest.
A source within the state unit told The Sunday Guardian that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly urged state BJP leaders to strengthen coordination with the AIADMK and incorporate additional regional parties into the NDA framework. He has expressed optimism that the AIADMK-BJP alliance can secure a decisive mandate and assume power.
Observers believe that a prospective NDA alliance could comprise the AIADMK, PMK, AMMK, the O. Panneerselvam faction, along with other smaller parties with regional clout. The consolidation of such forces is viewed as central to the BJP’s broader expansion strategy in South India.
In addition to its alliance-building strategy, the BJP has been working to counter perceptions of being “anti-Tamil” by actively promoting Tamil culture, heritage and linguistic pride. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has frequently cited classical Tamil literature, including the Thirukkural, in his speeches and public engagements. The symbolic installation of the Sengol during the inauguration of the new Parliament building was also projected as a gesture recognising Tamil civilisation and its historical legacy.
The party has further sought to connect with local sentiments by reviving the long-pending Katchatheevu island dispute with Sri Lanka, highlighting concerns related to the livelihood and emotional issues of Tamil fishermen. At the same time, the BJP continues to advocate the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the state. Despite opposition from Dravidian parties, it presents the policy’s three-language formula as a measure aimed at equipping Tamil youth with broader national and global opportunities.
