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Leaders were asked to identify constituencies where the BJP has a strong presence and build on the anti-incumbency against DMK
The meeting was chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda. (PTI)
The Tamil Nadu BJP’s core committee met in Delhi on Tuesday under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda to chalk out the party’s strategy for the 2026 state assembly elections.
The meeting, held at Shah’s Delhi residence, focused on strengthening the party’s organisational base in Tamil Nadu and finalising the roadmap for the months ahead. Leaders were asked to identify constituencies where the BJP has a strong presence and consolidate support at the grassroots level. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring coordination with the AIADMK, with the leadership underlining that the upcoming polls are not just for one party but for the NDA as a whole. It has been conveyed that the tried-and-tested formula of the BJP has been booth-level organisational push. Since this is an alliance election, it has been conveyed to the BJP leaders that such grassroots engagement will be for all seats across the state.
Party functionaries have been directed to identify key issues that can resonate with voters and take them to the people through collective campaigns, including joint efforts with allies. Regional conferences will be organised to build momentum, while morcha (frontal organisations) activities will also be stepped up.
The BJP leaders in the Centre have conveyed to the state leaders that they should make maximum efforts to tell people about DMK’s corruption and dynastic rule. The NDA will also focus on the massive anti-incumbency for the DMK-ruled state. Also, the efforts of PM Narendra Modi to glorify and honour the ancient culture and civilisation of the state will be a key focus. The top brass also said benefits for the state in case of a double-engine government must be highlighted.
The party top brass has conveyed to state leaders that they must try and leave no loose ends and reach out to smaller parties as well as leaders who want to oppose the DMK.
As far as the question of factionalism within the AIADMK is concerned, whether it is Sasikala, TT Dinakaran or OPS, the top brass said it would take a call later on who needs to be engaged with.
Apart from Shah and Nadda, Union minister L Murugan, state BJP president Nainar Nagendran, national executive member Vanathi Srinivasan, senior leader H Raja, and other state leaders were present at the meeting. Interestingly, former Tamil Nadu state president Annamalai gave the meeting a miss due to a pre-planned commitment and his absence is bound to raise a few questions.
The state leadership also held a separate discussion with BJP’s national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh to review preparations.
Tamil Nadu goes to elections in the first quarter of 2026. In the 234-member assembly at present, DMK has a lion’s share of 134 MLAs. BJP, which has desperately tried to find its footprint in the southern state, saw some success in the last assembly election with four MLA seats.
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