Thu Sep 11 19:08:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:

**Summary:**

The article discusses the ongoing internal power struggle within the AIADMK, a major political party in Tamil Nadu, India, and the perceived meddling of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), the ruling party at the national level, in the AIADMK’s affairs. The AIADMK is facing a leadership vacuum after the death of its charismatic leader Jayalalithaa. The article features insights from Panruti S. Ramachandran, a veteran politician, and R. Kannan, a former diplomat, who discuss the reasons behind the AIADMK’s internal conflicts, the role of caste loyalties, and the BJP’s motives in intervening in the party’s affairs. Both experts express skepticism about the BJP’s long-term goals and the effectiveness of its interventions. They suggest the BJP aims to either control the AIADMK’s voter base or eventually supplant it. The interviewees also discussed the impact of new leadership and the value of public opinion.

**News Article:**

**BJP Meddling Fuels AIADMK Infighting Ahead of 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections**

**Madurai, September 12, 2025:** Internal strife continues to plague the AIADMK, one of Tamil Nadu’s leading political parties, with accusations of BJP interference escalating the power struggle ahead of the crucial 2026 Assembly elections.

The renewed turmoil was sparked by former School Education Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan’s meeting with Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on September 8th. Sengottaiyan, a vocal critic of AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), claims to be seeking reunification of party factions.

This isn’t the first time the BJP has been accused of attempting to influence AIADMK’s internal dynamics. O. Panneerselvam, who previously rebelled against V.K. Sasikala, stated in 2017 that his faction’s merger with EPS’s was advised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Political analyst and veteran politician Panruti S. Ramachandran told The Hindu that the root of the AIADMK’s problems lies in a lack of “all-embracing leadership” in the absence of strong figures like MGR and Jayalalithaa. Ramachandran argues that caste loyalties are playing a divisive role, with leaders commanding support primarily from their respective communities.

Former UN diplomat R. Kannan asserts that while EPS has consolidated his leadership, the current conflict centers around those excluded from the party. He believes the BJP’s intervention is “incorrect and short-sighted,” motivated by a desire to secure a unified AIADMK alliance for the upcoming elections.

Kannan believes the BJP’s ultimate goal is to “cannibalize” the AIADMK’s support base after the current regime is out of power.

Both Ramachandran and Kannan question the BJP’s motives, suggesting the national party is attempting to weaken its ally in Tamil Nadu.

Ramachandran stated, “The BJP is trying the same thing now [as the Congress did in 1989]. This wouldn’t work as there is little purchase for national parties, even if they are ruling in Delhi, here in Tamil Nadu.”

Kannan concluded that the BJP is a “parasitic” entity using the AIADMK as a “willing host.”

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