EPS says AIADMK big brother in BJP alliance, keeps doors open for Vijay

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) clarified on Saturday that the Dravidian party was the big brother in its alliance with the BJP while keeping the door open for joining hands with Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

"The AIADMK-BJP alliance has been formed. This alliance will be headed by AIADMK and the government will be formed by AIADMK," Palaniswami said.

The AIADMK supremo's assertion comes amid a feeling within the party that the BJP, which is aiming to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu, was attempting to steal the narrative.

Previously too, Palaniswami had rejected allegations that the BJP would overpower the AIADMK in the alliance, saying no party, however big, could dominate it. AIADMK has ruled Tamil Nadu for over 30 years.

Palaniswami had also said that there would not be any coalition government in Tamil Nadu if the alliance won the 2026 Assembly polls, and the understanding was only for the election.

This despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserting that the BJP and AIADMK would together form the government. While Shah has said the chief ministerial candidate would be from the AIADMK, he did not name Palaniswami.

DOORS OPEN FOR VIJAY?

Meanwhile, Palaniswami announced that the AIADMK would launch a state-wide election tour from July 7 from Coimbatore. Without mentioning the BJP, EPS said all "alliance partners" were invited.

On being asked if actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam would be invited, the former Chief Minister said, "All those who wish to oust the DMK from power are welcome to join the alliance."

However, on Friday, the TVK adopted a resolution naming Vijay as the party's chief ministerial candidate. In his address, Vijay said his party would not ally with the DMK and the BJP directly or indirectly for the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls.

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