The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) central leadership has issued firm instructions to its Tamil Nadu state unit, urging closer coordination with alliance partner AIADMK and maintaining a cordial working relationship with former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS).During a recent State Core Committee meeting and a party training camp, BJP national general secretary (organisation) B.L. Santhosh is said to have directed party functionaries to put aside internal differences and work towards seamless grassroots-level coordination. The primary objective, according to sources present, is to ensure the defeat of the DMK-led government in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Santhosh reportedly told participants that while ideological differences between the BJP and AIADMK might remain, the alliance was formed with a singular goal – to unseat the DMK, which he described as a partner in the national opposition. He stressed the need for effective vote transfer between the BJP and AIADMK at the booth level, calling it crucial for electoral success.
The BJP leader also addressed organizational matters, making it clear that responsibilities should be shared collectively and not placed solely on state president Nainar Nagenthran. Leaders such as Union Minister L. Murugan and former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan were present at the sessions, which included training on strengthening booth committees, improving social media outreach, and planning joint protests against the ruling DMK.
Santhosh further dismissed speculation about actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) joining the NDA alliance. While leaving the door open for future regional tie-ups, he said the current priority was organizational strengthening and election preparedness. Tamilisai Soundararajan described the gathering as a routine orientation for new office-bearers to familiarize themselves with the party’s functioning.
With the central leadership’s clear directives, the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit is expected to intensify its alliance-building efforts with the AIADMK, while ensuring unity and coordinated action in the run-up to the high-stakes 2026 Assembly polls.