Wed Apr 16 21:16:32 UTC 2025: ## AIADMK Leader Denies Power-Sharing Deal with BJP in Upcoming Tamil Nadu Elections

**Chennai, April 17, 2025** – Edappadi K. Palaniswami, general secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, clarified on Wednesday that the recent AIADMK-BJP alliance does not entail a power-sharing agreement for the 2026 state elections. Palaniswami’s statement directly counters interpretations of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement of the alliance last week.

While acknowledging the alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Palaniswami stressed that Shah’s announcement only confirmed the formation of a joint government, not a division of power. He emphasized that the elections will be fought under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership nationally and his own in Tamil Nadu. He urged the media to avoid misinterpretations of Shah’s remarks.

Palaniswami dismissed the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)’s criticism of the alliance as opportunistic, questioning the DMK’s apprehension about the partnership. He asserted the alliance is driven by the AIADMK’s ambition to regain power and that the DMK is unqualified to dictate the AIADMK’s coalition choices.

The AIADMK leader stated that the success of the alliance will only be determined by the election results, and expressed confidence that other parties would join their front before the 2026 Assembly elections. He also defended the AIADMK’s position on state autonomy, criticizing the DMK’s record on the issue while in power at the Centre. Palaniswami attributed the DMK’s current statements on the matter to election-year posturing.

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