Leadership Listens To All Sides And Takes A Deep Pragmatic Call; All We Can Do As Karyakartas Is Make A Case: Annamalai On AIADMK-BJP Alliance

At the India Today South Conclave 2025, former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai reinforced his support for the party’s alliance with the AIADMK, stressing that the partnership was a pragmatic decision aimed at dislodging the DMK from power in 2026.

Annamalai, who has long argued for the BJP to chart an independent course in Tamil Nadu, acknowledged that “2026 would be a classic case” where the BJP cannot realistically form a government alone.

He admitted that new entrants such as actor Vijay would further intensify the political competition but maintained that the focus must remain on unseating the DMK.

Reflecting on the BJP’s decision to align with its Dravidian partner, Annamalai said, “If six months ago you had asked, I would have pushed for BJP to contest alone for multiple elections. But when leadership listens to all sides and takes a deep pragmatic call considering 2026’s importance to the country, all we can do as karyakartas is make a case.”

He clarified that the NDA had already settled its leadership question. “Amit Shah ji very clearly said EPS ji is NDA CM candidate. We can’t confuse the public. Party is one side, ideology is one side, people want a leader, and if it is EPS, we’re backing him. He will be the 2026 Chief Minister,” Annamalai declared.

While steering clear of internal AIADMK matters, he stressed the importance of unity, remarking, “They are mature enough, have ruled for over 31 years… Every vote counts, and I’m sure EPS anna will make the right decisions.”

Dispelling talk of friction with allies, he added: “In 2026 it’s going to be an alliance. By heart, we are committed to put our heart and soul. We will give our blood to make EPS Chief Minister. That’s how alliance works.”

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