BJP Announces New State Party Chief Elections in Tamil Nadu Amid Alliance Talks
The BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit has announced elections for a new party chief, requiring a decade of membership. Amit Shah’s visit aligns with alliance discussions with the AIADMK for the 2026 elections. Annamalai has stepped back from contention while questions arise about adherence to membership rules and ongoing corruption allegations against the DMK government.
The BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit has announced elections for a new state party chief, requiring candidates to have a minimum of ten years of party membership. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s first visit to the state follows ongoing alliance discussions with the AIADMK. Shah’s arrival coincides with rising speculation about potential collaborations ahead of the 2026 elections.
On April 11, Shah will engage with senior BJP leaders and members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Despite initial commitments, current BJP state president K Annamalai has withdrawn from the race for party chief. He previously took the post just 11 months after joining the BJP, raising questions about the enforcement of the membership rule.
Annamalai’s leadership has faced scrutiny after the AIADMK’s exit from the NDA, attributing their departure to criticisms towards Dravidian party founders. Following discussions with AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, Shah asserted that the NDA would secure victory in the upcoming elections, though the AIADMK has downplayed any alliance talks.
The ten-year eligibility rule excludes former AIADMK member Nainar Nagendran, currently the floor leader for the BJP in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. During his visit, Shah intends to gauge public sentiment similar to his previous tours in poll-bound areas like Bihar, stating it is his fourth visit to the state.
Shah has also criticized the ruling DMK government, claiming public dissatisfaction stems from corruption issues. DMK’s RS Bharathi countered, alleging that the BJP leverages corruption claims to undermine opposition parties, pointing to a pattern of Shah’s criticism towards incumbents in Tamil Nadu.
The BJP in Tamil Nadu is preparing for the election of a new party chief, with Amit Shah’s visit highlighting ongoing alliance considerations with the AIADMK. This move comes amidst existing controversies regarding leadership eligibility and corruption criticisms aimed at the DMK government. The dynamics of party membership rules and the timeline of elections continue to stir speculation about alliances and future electoral strategies in the Tamil Nadu political landscape.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
