The BJP leadership is said to be more focused on ensuring the DMK’s defeat in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election than merely securing its own wins. The report links this approach to the DMK’s prominence within the INDIA alliance, where it is described as a key force after the Congress.
According to the report, the BJP set three priorities early: build a broad alliance, attempt to weaken the DMK-led front if possible, and prepare to counter the DMK’s financial strength. With these goals, the party is said to have begun election groundwork as early as January 2025.
After forming an alliance with the AIADMK in April, the BJP reportedly assured both legal and financial support to take on the DMK. In return, the AIADMK was expected to lead efforts to expand the alliance, including bringing in the DMDK, which the BJP assessed could act as an “election spoiler” if left out.
The report alleges that significant funds reached Tamil Nadu in multiple instalments and that AIADMK insiders believed this could help influence votes across around 150 constituencies. However, it claims AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami took a hard line on DMDK demands, prompting DMDK general secretary Premalatha to prefer talks with the DMK, which reportedly offered to resolve the Andal Azhagar College issue and bear election expenses.
BJP sources quoted in the report argue that, despite being a national party, the BJP relies on the AIADMK’s organisational network in Tamil Nadu to distribute campaign resources effectively—especially after past complaints that funds did not reach grassroots workers. The report adds that some AIADMK members now complain that Palaniswami is reluctant even about spending earmarked for election expenses.
