Tamil Nadu BJP President Discusses Coordination with AIADMK Ahead of PM Modi's Visit
BJP and AIADMK Strengthen Ties
On Friday, Nainar Nagendran, the president of the Tamil Nadu BJP, announced that his discussions with AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami were conducted "smoothly" and concluded "successfully." This meeting indicates a growing collaboration between the two parties ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's anticipated visit to the state later this month. After their meeting at Palaniswami's residence in Chennai, Nagendran informed reporters that they deliberated on whether the Prime Minister's event should take place in Chennai or Madurai.
This meeting holds significant political weight as it occurs amidst new efforts to strengthen the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, ahead of the assembly elections scheduled for the first half of this year. While Nagendran refrained from commenting directly on the dynamics of the alliance, his remarks highlighted the ongoing coordination between the BJP and AIADMK on key political and organizational matters.
Previously, Palaniswami met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss the current political landscape in Tamil Nadu. Speaking to the media, the AIADMK leader mentioned that their discussions revolved around ending the DMK's rule in the state and the prospects of forming a government under the NDA banner in the upcoming assembly elections. Palaniswami stated, "I met with Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence last night at 9 PM. We talked about the political situation in Tamil Nadu and discussed the end of DMK's governance. The AIADMK is negotiating alliances with several parties, and we will work together to establish a government in Tamil Nadu."
He also accused the DMK of contributing to a surge in crime since coming to power, claiming that there is no safety for women and children under the current administration. Palaniswami further noted that Shah assured him that there would be no interference in the internal matters of the AIADMK and reiterated that there is "no place" for former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam within the party.