Alliance with BJP only for polls, not for coalition govt: EPS

CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary and leader of the opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami clarified Wednesday that the party's alliance with BJP is purely an electoral pact for contesting the 2026 assembly election and not a commitment to form a coalition govt after the polls.
Addressing reporters Wednesday, Palaniswami emphasised that the distinction is critical to dispel misconceptions and political narratives suggesting a deeper integration. "Union home minister Amit Shah never said there would be a coalition govt in Tamil Nadu after the election. We only said we are part of an alliance. We never said we would form a coalition govt. Why is DMK irritated when we form an alliance? DMK is afraid. Even Amit Shah didn't mention coalition governance. He said, 'Modi for Delhi' and referred to me for Tamil Nadu (to lead the alliance)," Palaniswami said.
Meanwhile, responding to Palaniswami's remarks, Tamil Nadu BJP state chief Nainar Nagenthran said the BJP brass would decide the issue of forming a coalition govt in Tamil Nadu. "Decision of forming a coalition govt will be taken by Amit Shah and the AIADMK secretary at the right time," Nagenthran said.
During a visit to Chennai, Shah had said decisions regarding seat-sharing and ministry allocations would be made "at an appropriate time" in consultation with alliance partners.
Palaniswami said political parties must respect each other's autonomy and their right to make decisions in their own best interests. He said alliances are a natural part of democratic politics and should not be a source of undue controversy. "Governing party's discomfort reflects its lack of confidence in its governance and electoral prospects. Instead of focusing on AIADMK's strategic decisions, DMK should concentrate on its own performance," he said. The former CM reiterated that the alliance with BJP is a strategic decision made in the interest of Tamil Nadu's development and prosperity.