Home Minister Amit Shah’s upcoming Madurai visit sparks speculation of possible NDA expansion in T.N.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah. | Photo Credit: R. Ravindran

Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah’s upcoming visit to Madurai on Sunday has stirred speculations over the party’s renewed outreach in southern Tamil Nadu and the potential expansion of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the State.

According to party sources, Mr. Shah is expected to arrive in Madurai late on Saturday. He will participate in the BJP’s State core committee meeting and hold discussions with senior Tamil Nadu BJP leaders the next day. He is also slated to address party office-bearers from the State, district, and mandal levels. Mr. Shah’s visit has drawn attention amid ongoing discussions over the NDA’s expansion in Tamil Nadu, as his previous visit to the State in April marked the revival of ties between the AIADMK and the BJP.

BJP national co-in-charge for Tamil Nadu P. Sudhakar Reddy told The Hindu that Mr. Shah’s visit would focus on strengthening the party’s organisational machinery. “He will address office-bearers on a range of subjects, including the achievements of the Modi government in the last 11 years. He will also lay out a roadmap for the party of face the 2026 Assembly elections,” Mr. Reddy said.

Seen as a strategic outreach to the southern districts, his Madurai visit aligns with the party’s broader efforts to build a stronger presence in the region.

The BJP, in association with the Hindu Munnani, is also organising ‘Lord Muruga Devotees Conference’ later this month in Madurai.

Asked about the choice of Madurai to host Mr. Shah, BJP State vice-president Narayanan Thirupathy downplayed any specific political motive. “The Home Minister had chaired meetings in Chennai and Coimbatore. This time, it is Madurai,” he said. On the question of an NDA expansion, party sources played their cards close to their chest.

When asked about whether the BJP is playing any role in mediating the rift between PMK founder S. Ramadoss and party president Anbumani Ramadoss, Mr. Thirupathy said: “It is entirely their internal matter and there is no need for the BJP to interfere into it,” he added.

Published - June 06, 2025 11:35 pm IST