Piyush Goyal Kicks Off Alliance Talks in Tamil Nadu Ahead of 2026 Elections
BJP's Strategic Move in Tamil Nadu
Chennai: Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, has been appointed as the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) election in-charge for Tamil Nadu. He is set to commence discussions on alliances with the AIADMK and other partners of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) during his visit to Chennai on Tuesday.
This visit signifies the start of the BJP's efforts in seat-sharing and coalition formation as they prepare for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
As per BJP insiders, Goyal will kick off his day with internal meetings at Kamalalayam, the party's state headquarters. He is expected to engage with senior leaders and the BJP's core committee to assess organizational readiness and outline the party's electoral strategy.
The discussions will likely center around strengthening booth-level operations, planning campaigns, and enhancing coordination among alliance partners.
After the internal review, Goyal will hold a private meeting with NDA members at a hotel in MRC Nagar.
Sources suggest that this meeting aims to formally initiate discussions on alliance frameworks, with a focus on seat-sharing and coalition dynamics. Notably, Goyal is anticipated to meet AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami at the same location.
This meeting will mark the first significant interaction between Goyal and Palaniswami since Goyal took charge of the BJP's campaign in Tamil Nadu. It is expected to set the groundwork for future negotiations between the BJP and AIADMK, which are crucial for the NDA's success in the state.
Palaniswami's arrival in Chennai from Salem on Monday has fueled speculation regarding the alliance discussions.
Although neither party has officially confirmed the meeting, BJP sources indicate that informal talks have been taking place for several weeks, suggesting a gradual improvement in relations.
Later in the day, Goyal is scheduled to meet with Governor R.N. Ravi at Raj Bhavan, where discussions on significant administrative and political matters in Tamil Nadu are anticipated.
Senior BJP officials noted that the decision to assign Goyal the Tamil Nadu mandate reflects the party's commitment to forming a strong and unified NDA well in advance of the elections. Goyal is expected to return to New Delhi later in the evening after concluding his engagements in Chennai.