Palaniswami meets Amit Shah to strengthen NDA ahead of TN Polls

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Thursday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss the strengthening of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu ahead of the state Assembly elections, likely in March-April.

Speaking to reporters at the New Delhi airport, Palaniswami clarified that the meeting, held at Shah’s residence on January 7, focused on coalition-building and the political situation in the state, not on alliance seat-sharing . “I had prior engagements in Salem and Kallakurichi, hence I couldn’t meet him in Tamil Nadu. So, I came to Delhi and met him,” he said.

The former Chief Minister also categorically ruled out the return of expelled leaders V K Sasikala and O Panneerselvam . “Leave it. Why do you harp on it,” he said, recalling that Shah had assured him of non-interference in AIADMK’s internal affairs .

The meeting came on the same day the Dr Anbumani Ramadoss faction of the PMK joined the NDA , led by AIADMK in Tamil Nadu. Palaniswami said more parties are expected to join the coalition in the coming months. On the prospects of AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran joining the alliance, he said talks were ongoing and decisions would be announced once finalized.

“Our immediate focus is on building a strong NDA coalition to defeat the ruling DMK in the upcoming Assembly polls,” Palaniswami added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who recently met AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami in New Delhi, also attended the Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu , joining locals in the traditional harvest festivities. During the visit, he participated in cultural events and exchanged greetings with farmers and community members , highlighting the Centre’s engagement with the state and its people during the festival season.