EPS says no to AIADMK-BJP coalition government in Tamil Nadu

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday (April 16) dismissed the idea of forming a coalition government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu next year.

Palaniswami told the media that the BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, would govern at the Centre while he would take the reins in Tamil Nadu after the 2026 Assembly elections.

‘No coalition government’

This assertion followed a walkout led by EPS from the Tamil Nadu Assembly, citing grievances against the Speaker for not letting the Opposition speak.

Addressing a query on a coalition government in the state, EPS said: “There is no coalition government. Only an alliance with the BJP; they will not take part in governance. Amit Shah said ‘PM Modi for Delhi, Edappadi Palaniswami for TN’.”

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This stance contrasts with that of the BJP, which has seen figures like Nainar Nagendran projecting an NDA government in Tamil Nadu with the AIADMK as the main ally.

The AIADMK insists that the alliance with the BJP is an electoral strategy engineered to counter the DMK-Congress combine and not indicative of any shared governance plans.

Dravidian parties

The varied narratives among the AIADMK and the BJP over the coalition issue have stirred interest among political observers. Sources suggest EPS’s declaration reflects the concerns within his party about giving any political leverage to the BJP.

Senior journalist T Ramakrishnan commented: "The DMK and AIADMK, both Dravidian parties, fundamentally reject the concept of a coalition government. EPS is firm on maintaining this stance, despite Amit Shah’s clarification that power-sharing arrangements would be decided post-election.

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“Shah’s statement implies that the NDA, which includes parties beyond just the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, will form a government after the 2026 elections, if they win."

Federal issues

The AIADMK is set to hold an executive committee meeting on May 2 at its head office in Chennai. EPS has been telling party cadres that the AIADMK will form a government next year.

On the other hand, the AIADMK has also raised voices against several federal policies including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly its push for a three-language formula,.

Similarly, the AIADMK has opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, citing concerns over its potential to encroach on state autonomy and affect minority rights.