New Delhi, January 9, 2026 – All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on Thursday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to deliberate on the political scenario in Tamil Nadu. EPS clarified that the discussion did not cover alliance-related matters.

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Focus on Political Situation, Not Seat Sharing

Speaking to reporters, EPS emphasized that the meeting centered on the prevailing political situation in the state, and was not about seat-sharing arrangements or other electoral negotiations.

When questioned about the prospects of formerly expelled leaders, including AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran, EPS reiterated that Shah had indicated he would not interfere in AIADMK’s internal affairs, dismissing media speculation about these leaders’ roles.

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BJP Outreach and Expelled Leaders

Despite EPS’s comments, senior sources indicate that the BJP is exploring the inclusion of expelled AIADMK leaders—such as O. Panneerselvam (OPS), TTV Dhinakaran, and V.K. Sasikala—into its alliance.

“Talks are on with some parties to rope them into our alliance. We will inform you when things are finalised, just as we had informed you yesterday about PMK joining us,” a party insider said.

Ahead of his meeting with Shah, EPS had formalized the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) alliance with the NDA in Chennai, marking another step in consolidating support ahead of upcoming elections.

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AIADMK-BJP Alliance Dynamics

The EPS-BJP alliance in Tamil Nadu has been marked by contention over power-sharing and seat allocation. EPS has asserted that AIADMK would form a majority government in the event of a win, while Shah has insisted that the BJP must have a share in power and contest more assembly seats in recognition of its 11% vote share in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

EPS reportedly maintained AIADMK’s demand to contest the same number of seats as in the 2021 assembly elections—179 out of 234.

A senior leader noted:

“DMK would be at an advantage if we agree to a coalition government,” citing Tamil Nadu’s historical resistance to coalition governance at the state level.

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Historical Context: Coalition Resistance in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has traditionally seen a dominance of the Dravidian parties (DMK and AIADMK), both of which have historically resisted coalition governments at the state level. Notable exceptions include:

• 2006 Assembly Elections: DMK formed a minority government with outside support from the Congress and Left parties when no single party secured an absolute majority.
• 1980 Assembly Elections: DMK’s proposal for a coalition government with Congress was rejected by voters, leading to an AIADMK-led regime.

EPS’s current stance aligns with this historical preference for a majority government led by the AIADMK, while managing the central government’s expectations regarding the BJP’s role.

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Takeaway

EPS’s meeting with Amit Shah signals coordination between AIADMK and the central government on state political matters, while carefully maintaining autonomy in internal party affairs and alliance negotiations. The BJP’s efforts to engage expelled AIADMK leaders may add a layer of complexity to the party’s alliance strategy, as both parties navigate Tamil Nadu’s historical aversion to coalition governance.