NDA’s Tamil Nadu Poll Campaign to Begin with PM Modi Rally on Jan 23

Updated: Monday, January 19, 2026, 14:27 [IST]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing to kickstart the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections campaign with a large National Democratic Alliance rally at Maduranthakam on 23 January, around 100 kilometres from Chennai. The event is expected to project the BJP as the main challenger to the Stalin government, tapping public anger over corruption and law and order concerns.

Both the BJP and the AIADMK are working to widen the NDA umbrella before the polls, aiming to take on the DMK-Congress alliance. The rise of actor Vijay’s party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, is being closely watched, as TVK could reshape vote shares, especially among younger voters across urban and semi-urban pockets.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the National Democratic Alliance's campaign for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with a rally in Maduranthakam on January 23, with the BJP aiming to challenge the Stalin government; the AIADMK, DMDK, AMMK, and PMK are involved in alliance discussions, while actor Vijay's party, TVK, could influence vote shares.

Tamil Nadu NDA alliance strategies for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections

The Maduranthakam rally is expected to showcase new partners in the Tamil Nadu NDA alliance. The AIADMK, which leads the NDA in the state, has said talks with Vijayakanth’s DMDK are at a final stage. The BJP wants O Panneerselvam and AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran inside the front, but AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami reportedly opposes Panneerselvam’s return.

According to party sources, Dhinakaran is likely to be welcomed as an NDA constituent, with a formal announcement possible on 23 January in the presence of PM Modi. The AIADMK has already entered into an agreement with one faction of the PMK, strengthening the Tamil Nadu NDA alliance even as internal disputes continue within that party.

Party / Leader	Current Position in Tamil Nadu NDA alliance
AIADMK / Edappadi K Palaniswami	Leads NDA in Tamil Nadu
BJP / Narendra Modi	National ally, driving state campaign
DMDK / Vijayakanth	Talks in final stage with AIADMK
AMMK / TTV Dhinakaran	Likely to join NDA, announcement expected
O Panneerselvam	Desired by BJP, opposed by Edappadi K Palaniswami
PMK factions / Dr Ramadoss, Anbumani Ramadoss	One faction already with AIADMK-NDA, final stance pending from Dr Ramadoss
TVK / Vijay	Publicly equidistant from DMK and BJP

Tamil Nadu NDA alliance dynamics with TVK and BJP

The PMK’s internal split has complicated alignments around the Tamil Nadu NDA alliance. Founder Dr Ramadoss expelled Anbumani Ramadoss, dividing the party into rival camps. Anbumani has already joined hands with the AIADMK and aligned with the NDA, while Dr Ramadoss has not declared a final stand on alliances yet.

Vijay’s TVK has said it will stay equally distant from both the DMK and the BJP, yet AIADMK insiders claim some leaders are in quiet talks with Vijay’s team. This has raised questions about the BJP’s space if the AIADMK and TVK eventually agree on seat-sharing or issue-based cooperation within the state.

Vijay’s recent troubles are viewed through a political lens by many in Tamil Nadu, affecting perceptions around the Tamil Nadu NDA alliance. The delay in the censor certificate for the film Jananayagan and the Central Bureau of Investigation questioning Vijay in the Karur case are being portrayed locally as pressure tactics linked to the BJP’s influence.

The BJP sees dissatisfaction with the Stalin government as an opportunity and has moved early through the Tamil Nadu NDA alliance. PM Modi, described by party workers as the strongest campaigner, is set for multiple visits across Tamil Nadu in the coming weeks, with the Maduranthakam rally seen as the opening act of an extended election push.