AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami stated that there is no possibility of reconciling with V.K. Sasikala or O. Panneerselvam within the party or the broader coalition led by the Dravidian political party. Palaniswami emphasized his stance on the matter during a discussion with reporters at the New Delhi airport, highlighting that his position has been clearly communicated on multiple occasions.
During a recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital, Palaniswami recalled previous talks regarding the strengthening of ties between AIADMK and the BJP. He mentioned that Shah assured him of non-interference by the BJP in the internal affairs of AIADMK. The AIADMK leader refrained from commenting on speculations about accommodating the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) led by Chief T.T.V. Dhinakaran but hinted at the inclusion of more parties in the alliance soon.
Palaniswami dismissed suggestions that bringing Sasikala and Panneerselvam back could enhance the AIADMK-led NDA front, emphasizing the party’s strength. He pointed out that in the 2021 Assembly election, the combined vote margin of AIADMK and DMK in 43 constituencies was only about two lakh votes. The former Chief Minister also clarified his inability to meet Union Home Minister Shah during his recent visit to Tamil Nadu due to prior commitments but updated him on the state’s political scenario.
Efforts to incorporate AMMK into the NDA-led alliance in 2021 were unsuccessful, with Dhinakaran and Panneerselvam subsequently aligning with the BJP during the 2024 Lok Sabha election. However, they exited the NDA after AIADMK and BJP renewed ties in April 2025. Reports indicate ongoing communication between these leaders and other parties like Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the potential alliance with Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK).
There are speculations in the Tamil media about the BJP’s interest in finalizing the coalition before the month-end, ahead of an anticipated visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Palaniswami criticized the DMK government, accusing it of orchestrating a deceptive act through the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme, which he likened to the Centre’s Unified Pension Scheme with minor differences. He highlighted the absence of periodic upward revisions based on Pay Commission recommendations in the new scheme.
