Former AIADMK ministers, including S.P. Velumani and C.Ve. Shanmugam, met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi to discuss strengthening the AIADMK-BJP alliance ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.The meeting focused on broadening the coalition by including more parties to bolster the front against the ruling DMK.
Velumani, a close aide to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, submitted a representation seeking increased central funding for Tamil Nadu’s development projects, including reconsideration of rejected metro rail plans for Coimbatore and Madurai.
This follows last week’s meeting between AIADMK’s Palanisamy and state BJP chief Nainar Nagendran, who later briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Sitharaman on alliance talks.
Velumani’s proximity to Union Minister Piyush Goyal, appointed as BJP’s Tamil Nadu election in-charge, adds significance, with Goyal scheduled to visit the state on December 23.
The discussions occur amid internal NDA dynamics and AIADMK’s push for a robust anti-DMK front, with both sides exchanging suggestions to fortify ties.