New Delhi Chronicle Staff Reporter
Chennai/Trichy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Tamil Nadu has not only energized BJP cadres but also reassured AIADMK leaders about the strength of their alliance ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.
During his visit, Modi met senior AIADMK figures, including party chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), at the Chennai airport, signaling that the BJP-AIADMK partnership remains intact despite recent disagreements over power-sharing. Notably, Modi chose not to meet O. Panneerselvam (OPS), which AIADMK insiders view as a clear indication that the BJP is firmly backing EPS as its key ally in the state.
For BJP workers, Modi’s participation in the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival—celebrating the Chola dynasty’s legacy—served as a powerful cultural counterpoint to the DMK’s narrative around the Keeladi archaeological findings, which has often been used to challenge the BJP’s historical positioning in Tamil Nadu politics.
AIADMK members are equally upbeat. Alongside EPS, senior leaders such as K.P. Munusamy, S.P. Velumani, and Thalavai Sundaram were allowed to receive the Prime Minister at the airport—an event party workers say reaffirmed their relevance within the alliance. “By sidelining OPS, Modi has made it clear that only trusted partners will remain in this coalition,” said senior AIADMK leader S. Semmalai.
BJP functionaries also believe the visit has fostered stronger grassroots cooperation. Several AIADMK workers, who earlier felt EPS was under pressure from the BJP, now view the alliance as mutually beneficial. “AIADMK mobilized thousands for the Prime Minister’s Trichy roadshow, showing their commitment. We will reciprocate in every way,” said Sriram Shankar, BJP’s Trichy district chief.
AIADMK cadres in Trichy echoed similar sentiments, stating that Modi’s visit has eased lingering doubts about working closely with the BJP. “This visit has changed perceptions. We will join BJP’s roadshows in the future too,” said one party functionary.
To further consolidate this renewed camaraderie, BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran is set to host a grand feast for EPS and senior AIADMK leaders in Tirunelveli during EPS’s upcoming statewide tour. Originally planned for August 3, the event was postponed due to Modi’s visit but is expected to take place soon.
With both parties now projecting a united front, Modi’s visit appears to have set the stage for a reinvigorated BJP-AIADMK alliance in Tamil Nadu—one that could significantly impact the 2026 political landscape.
