Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has stated that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) could form the government in Tamil Nadu with the support of actor-politician Vijay after the Assembly elections.
Athawale, who is part of the NDA, said that even if Vijay’s party does not join the alliance before the elections, there remains a possibility of post-poll support. He indicated that the NDA would be open to working with Vijay’s party after the results if the numbers require it. He said, “If Vijay supports us, NDA can form the government in Tamil Nadu.”
He further added that discussions could take place after the election, depending on the outcome and the political situation at that time.
Athawale also acknowledged Vijay’s growing political presence and influence among voters, particularly the youth, noting that his entry into politics has created a significant impact on Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. The statement comes at a time when alliances and post-poll scenarios are being closely watched ahead of the elections.
Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has already announced that his party will contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections independently, without forming a pre-poll alliance with any major party. This decision has set the stage for a multi-cornered contest in the state.
The NDA in Tamil Nadu is currently led by the AIADMK and includes key partners such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK). The alliance was formalised ahead of the elections with a seat-sharing agreement across constituencies. Under this arrangement, the AIADMK is contesting the majority of seats, while the BJP, PMK, and AMMK have been allocated a smaller share as part of the coalition strategy.
The NDA alliance was reconstituted after the AIADMK and BJP, which had previously parted ways, reunited to contest the 2026 elections together. The alliance aims to challenge the ruling DMK-led front.
