Former Chennai Mayor Saidai Duraisamy has urged the AIADMK to follow the political approach of its founder, M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), and forge an alliance with the BJP to defeat the DMK in the upcoming elections.
In a statement, Duraisamy highlighted how MGR maintained a cordial relationship with the central government and strategically formed alliances to secure victories. He recalled that MGR once supported the Congress to weaken the DMK’s coalition, leading to significant political shifts and stronger ties with the central government.
Duraisamy pointed out that in 1984, when MGR faced health issues, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi personally visited him and arranged for advanced medical treatment abroad. This close relationship helped AIADMK and Congress secure a major electoral victory that year, with AIADMK benefiting from the central government’s support during critical times.
Stressing the importance of unity within AIADMK, he urged the party leadership to build a strong alliance with the BJP and other friendly parties ahead of the 2026 elections. He called for AIADMK to rally behind MGR’s legacy, unite party loyalists and anti-DMK forces, and work towards a winning coalition.
Duraisamy also reflected on past political events, noting that AIADMK’s refusal to support Indira Gandhi in the Thanjavur Lok Sabha by-election led to a fallout with Congress. This alliance breakdown eventually resulted in Congress joining hands with DMK in the subsequent general elections, in which AIADMK secured only two seats. Following this, when Indira Gandhi returned to power, the AIADMK government was dismissed.
Realizing the importance of strategic alliances, MGR later aligned with Congress to isolate DMK. In the Tiruppattur by-election, he even personally campaigned in support of the Congress-DMK candidate, Arunagiri.
Drawing from these historical precedents, Duraisamy insisted that AIADMK must align with the BJP and other like-minded parties to ensure a strong electoral strategy for 2026.