Chennai, 14 January (H.S.) Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader K Annamalai remained tight-lipped on Wednesday regarding a potential alliance with actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam for the 2026 Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister of State L Murugan in Delhi, the former state unit chief clarified that matters concerning electoral tie-ups were above his current pay grade.

He noted that such strategic decisions are handled by the party high command and current leadership. However, he emphasized that the primary political objective remains the consolidation of all anti-DMK votes to ensure the ruling party's defeat in the upcoming polls.

K Annamalai, who was replaced as the State President by Nainar Nagendran in April 2025, described the electoral landscape as a rare four-cornered contest. He highlighted that while Vijay's speeches indicate a clear stance against the DMK, any formal partnership within the National Democratic Alliance would require deep political chemistry and a shared narrative.

The senior leader expressed confidence in the growing strength of the opposition front, citing the recent inclusion of new alliance partners and the momentum expected from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Chennai on January 23.

He reiterated that while the DMK alliance might appear strong on paper, the NDA's grassroots focus and purposeful coordination would be visible on the field as the election cycle progresses toward April.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary