Annamalai remains discreet on a possible Vijay-NDA merger

Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai on Wednesday remained tight-lipped on a possible alliance with actor-politician Vijay’s TVK ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, saying he was not authorized to comment on the matter.

He, however, acknowledged that priority should be given to consolidating all anti-DMK votes to ensure the defeat of the ruling party.

Annamalai was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Pongal celebrations at State Minister L Murugan’s residence in Delhi.
When asked by reporters if a Vijay-BJP tie-up would strengthen the NDA, Annamalai reiterated: “…there are certain things I don’t want to answer. It’s above my pay grade.” Annamalai had earlier said at a press conference, when asked if he wanted Vijay to join the NDA: “It is not about personal feelings. The best way forward for DMK is to consolidate all anti-DMK votes. This is politics.” The BJP leader described Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape as a rare “four-corner fight” involving the DMK-led alliance, the AIADMK-led NDA, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief Seeman’s group, with his vote share of 8-9 per cent.

He also raised concerns of political commentators over vote-splitting in an anti-DMK scenario, urging all “rational political actors” to think strategically while elections are still “far away”.

Annamalai highlighted the NDA’s recent progress, including the arrival of a new alliance partner last week, as well as the kickoff of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign with a rally in Chennai on January 23.

Responding to another question on whether Vijay wanted the DMK to go, he said, “That is what his speeches indicate. 90 per cent of his speeches attack the DMK. He wants the DMK to go.” However, he stressed that alliances require “chemistry, a positive narrative and purpose” beyond just numbers.

“It is not necessary that the stronger alliance also wins. DMK may look stronger on paper, but we are stronger in terms of chemistry and determination. After PM Modi’s rally on January 23, you will see it on the ground,” he added.