OPS, TTV still part of NDA: Nainar Nagendran

Newly appointed Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Wednesday reaffirmed that expelled AIADMK leaders O. Panneerselvam (OPS) and T.T.V. Dhinakaran continue to remain part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), while tactfully avoiding comments on the possibility of a coalition government in the state post the 2026 Assembly elections.

Speaking to the media after officially taking charge at the BJP’s state headquarters, Kamalalayam, he stated, “Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam continues to be engaged with us in the Assembly. Those who were originally part of the NDA remain with us. Once someone is within the family, their position need not be renegotiated. Like a child in a household, their place is unquestioned.”

Responding to questions about AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s recent assertion that a coalition government model is unviable for Tamil Nadu, he maintained a neutral stance. “Such decisions will be taken by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Mr. Edappadi K. Palaniswami. It is not my place to comment on the General Secretary’s statements,” he said.

Justifying the BJP’s decision to renew its alliance with the AIADMK, Nagendran said the primary objective is to dislodge the DMK government, which he accused of administrative failure, poor law and order, atrocities against women, and systemic oppression of Scheduled Castes.

“Even with just four MLAs, the BJP stands firm in its ideological path. Annamalai may be the storm, but I will be the breeze,” he remarked, metaphorically differentiating his leadership style from that of his predecessor.

He launched a scathing attack on the Congress, calling it “the most corrupt party in the world,” and also accused the ruling DMK of dynastic politics. He announced that the BJP’s youth wing would lead state-wide protests to expose the alleged failures of the current government.

The event witnessed the presence of key BJP leaders including H. Raja, Vanathi Srinivasan, K. Annamalai, and Dolphin Sridhar, signaling a show of unity and strength as the party braces for an intense political season ahead.