In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), led by Anbumani Ramadoss, has formally joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The alliance was finalised on Wednesday, with leaders from the AIADMK and PMK confirming that seat-sharing arrangements have also been agreed upon, even as the Election Commission is yet to announce the poll schedule.

The move marks a major consolidation of opposition forces in the state and is expected to intensify the contest against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Leaders from the alliance projected confidence and unity, describing the tie-up as a “winning alliance” capable of unseating the incumbent government.

Formal announcement and political messaging

The alliance was announced at a joint press conference addressed by AIADMK general secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss. The presence of both leaders underscored the political significance of the partnership and signalled a renewed effort to present a united front against the DMK.

“The AIADMK and BJP have already formed an alliance for the Assembly elections, and now the PMK has joined us,” Palaniswami said. He expressed confidence that the expanded alliance would emerge victorious in a majority of the state’s 234 Assembly constituencies.

Calling it a “winning alliance,” EPS said the collective aim of the AIADMK, BJP and PMK was to defeat what he described as the “anti-people” DMK government and to form a strong administration focused on welfare and development in Tamil Nadu. He added that all three parties would work tirelessly at the grassroots level to take their message to voters.

In a clear signal that the opposition bloc may continue to expand, Palaniswami hinted that more political parties could soon be brought into the fold. This statement has fuelled speculation about possible negotiations with other regional players who may be weighing their options ahead of the elections.

PMK’s role and electoral significance

The inclusion of the PMK is widely seen as a strategic gain for the AIADMK-led NDA. The PMK has a strong support base among the Vanniyar community, particularly in northern Tamil Nadu, a region that plays a decisive role in Assembly elections. Its organisational network and caste-based influence can potentially tilt the balance in several constituencies.

Anbumani Ramadoss has long positioned the PMK as a party focused on social justice, education and healthcare. By aligning with the AIADMK and BJP, the PMK appears to be betting on a broader coalition that can challenge the DMK’s entrenched electoral machinery.

While Ramadoss did not elaborate extensively at the press conference, his presence alongside Palaniswami was seen as an endorsement of the alliance’s leadership and strategy. For the PMK, the tie-up offers a chance to remain politically relevant and influential in a polarised electoral contest.

AIADMK’s effort to regroup

For the AIADMK, which has been out of power since 2021, the alliance with the PMK under the NDA banner is part of a broader effort to regroup and present itself as the principal alternative to the DMK. After a period of internal strife following the demise of former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa, the party has gradually attempted to stabilise its leadership and rebuild alliances.

Palaniswami’s assertion that the AIADMK-led bloc would win a majority of seats reflects an attempt to project confidence and momentum. Party leaders believe that anti-incumbency sentiment, combined with concerns over governance and economic issues, could work in their favour if the opposition vote is consolidated.

The AIADMK’s alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the national level adds another dimension to the contest. While the BJP remains a relatively smaller force in Tamil Nadu compared to the Dravidian majors, it brings organisational strength, resources and the backing of the Centre, factors that the alliance hopes to leverage during the campaign.

Delhi outreach and BJP’s role

Soon after the alliance announcement, it emerged that Palaniswami and former AIADMK minister S.P. Velumani were likely to travel to New Delhi later on Wednesday. The proposed visit has been seen as part of ongoing coordination with the BJP’s central leadership.

Velumani had already met Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the weekend during Shah’s two-day visit to Tamil Nadu. During that visit, Shah also held meetings with members of the BJP’s core committee in the state, indicating sustained engagement by the national leadership in shaping the NDA’s electoral strategy in Tamil Nadu.

These developments suggest that seat-sharing, campaign planning and messaging are likely being discussed not only at the state level but also with inputs from the BJP’s central command. For the NDA, Tamil Nadu remains a politically challenging state, and strengthening alliances is viewed as essential to improving its prospects.

Context of past alliances

The AIADMK and BJP formally came together again in April 2025, after a phase of political distancing. However, they had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections separately, a decision that reflected the fluid nature of alliances in Tamil Nadu politics.

During this period, most of the NDA’s traditional allies in the state, including the PMK, remained aligned with the BJP, with the notable exception of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK). The PMK’s decision to now formally join the AIADMK-led NDA for the Assembly elections signals a recalibration of political equations ahead of a high-stakes contest.

Tamil Nadu’s political history has often been marked by shifting alliances and pragmatic calculations. Parties frequently reassess their positions based on electoral arithmetic, caste dynamics and perceptions of public mood. The latest alliance fits squarely within this tradition.

Implications for the DMK and the electoral battle ahead

For the ruling DMK, the consolidation of opposition forces under the AIADMK-led NDA presents a more formidable challenge than a fragmented opposition. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s government has so far projected confidence, pointing to its welfare schemes and governance record. However, a united opposition could sharpen the contest, especially in closely fought constituencies.

The Assembly elections, whenever they are announced, are expected to revolve around issues such as employment, inflation, law and order, social justice and centre-state relations. The NDA alliance is likely to frame the election as a referendum on the DMK’s performance, while the ruling party will seek to portray the opposition as opportunistic and ideologically inconsistent.

Road ahead

With the PMK’s entry into the AIADMK-led NDA, the political chessboard in Tamil Nadu has been significantly rearranged. The alliance partners now face the task of translating their agreement into an effective ground-level campaign, managing seat-sharing sensitivities, and presenting a coherent narrative to voters.

As Palaniswami hinted at the possibility of more parties joining the alliance, the coming weeks are likely to see further political manoeuvring. With high-profile visits, negotiations and strategic planning already underway, the battle for Tamil Nadu’s 234 Assembly seats is clearly gathering momentum, setting the stage for a closely watched and fiercely contested election.