The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), a key political party representing the Vanniyar community in northern Tamil Nadu, has formally entered the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) by aligning with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, marking a significant consolidation of opposition forces against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
In a joint press conference held in Chennai, former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) stood alongside PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss to announce the tripartite alliance, describing it as a formidable "winning alliance" backed enthusiastically by party workers and leaders, with potential for additional parties to join in the coming weeks to further broaden the coalition.
Palaniswami highlighted the alliance's unified objective to dislodge the DMK government, asserting that the combined strength of AIADMK, BJP, and PMK would deliver a resounding victory, while seat-sharing arrangements and strategic details are expected to be finalised soon, including through his scheduled discussions with top BJP leadership in New Delhi.
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Anbumani Ramadoss expressed immense satisfaction with the partnership, terming it a momentous and joyful occasion, and launched a sharp attack on the DMK regime by labelling it as anti-people, anti-women, and steeped in corruption, claiming widespread public anger that would translate into a landslide majority for the alliance under AIADMK's stewardship.
The development escalates the political contest in Tamil Nadu ahead of the polls slated for the first half of 2026, with Palaniswami recently amplifying criticisms of Chief Minister MK Stalin's administration over deteriorating law and order, increasing incidents of sexual assaults, and alleged appropriation of AIADMK-era welfare schemes as DMK accomplishments during public addresses, including at a women's conference in Kallakurichi.
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