oppn parties BJP Brings AIADMK Back To The NDA Fold

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  • Neha Bora was subsequently released and Dipke is to appear before a magistrate today at noon
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  • The Reserve Bank of India is considering further monetary tightening to counter capital outflows and increase the cost of betting against the rupee, according to bankers and analysts cited by Reuters. The measures follow recent rate increases and steps to drain liquidity as pressure on the currency and inflation concerns persist
  • India directed oil marketing companies to stop diverting sugar-based feedstocks for ethanol production in the 2026–27 supply year, according to a new tender issued on Friday. The companies have invited bids for 11 billion litres of ethanol made from alternatives including corn and broken rice, amid concerns about domestic sugar supplies and prices
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India's trade imbalance with China was growing sharply and attributed the problem partly to restrictions on Indian goods and services entering the Chinese market. China subsequently said it was ready to work with India to address mutual economic and trade concerns; India's trade deficit with China reached $69 billion in the first half of FY2026–27, up 27% year-on-year
  • Indian equity benchmarks extended their recovery on Friday, with the Sensex rising 413.66 points to close at 74,729.27 and the Nifty 50 gaining 148.80 points to settle at 23,146.15. Information technology shares, including Tech Mahindra, Infosys and TCS, helped lift the indices
  • India defeated Zimbabwe by four wickets in the opening women's T20 International in Raipur, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. Deepti Sharma and Niki Prasad combined in an 82-run stand after India's top order collapsed, helping the hosts chase down Zimbabwe's total of 114 for five
  • Indian wrestler Komal won bronze in the women's 59 kg category at the Under-23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, defeating Kazakhstan's Viktoriia Khusainova 7–2. Fellow Indian Amruta Pujari advanced to the women's 72 kg final after recording two pinfall victories
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  • The Supreme Court of India upheld the Bombay High Court's decision quashing the 2020 write-off of ₹8,415 crore in additional tier-1 bonds issued by Yes Bank (Yes Bank). The court ruled that the bank's administrator lacked the authority to extinguish the bonds under the final reconstruction scheme, strengthening bondholders' claims
  • The Supreme Court issued notices to the Election Commission of India, Delhi Police and opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, in separate petitions concerning electoral-roll revision and protests held in Delhi on October 10–12. The court also directed the preservation of CCTV footage linked to allegations of police excesses
  • The Supreme Court ruled that a person converting from Hinduism to Islam cannot automatically claim backward-class reservation benefits in the new religious community solely on the basis of their previous caste status. The judgment upheld the Madras High Court's decision striking down a 2024 Tamil Nadu government order that permitted such certification for specified communities
  • The Election Commission of India ordered a Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls in 14 states and three Union Territories, using January 1, 2027, as the qualifying date for voter eligibility. The draft rolls are scheduled for publication on November 12, claims and objections will be accepted until December 11, and the final rolls are due on January 4, 2027
Delhi HC refuses to ban CJP's Tiranga rally at Central Park in Connaught Place today /////// Police says will control and regulate it /////// NDMC closes the park for the public on Friday and Saturday
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BJP Brings AIADMK Back To The NDA Fold

By Sunil Garodia
First publised on 2025-04-11 14:52:17

About the Author

Sunil Garodia Editor-in-Chief of indiacommentary.com. Current Affairs analyst and political commentator. Author of Cyber Scams in India, Digital Arrest, The Money Trap and The Human Hack

In what appears to be a strategic win for both sides, the AIADMK and the BJP have officially announced their decision to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections as allies. This move marks AIADMK's return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after an 18-month-long break. The party had exited the alliance in September 2023, citing objectionable remarks made by then BJP state president K. Annamalai about former AIADMK leaders.

While Union Home Minister Amit Shah maintained that AIADMK had not made any demands for its return to the NDA, the timing of key leadership changes within the BJP tells a different story. On the same day the alliance was announced, Annamalai was replaced by Nainar Nagendran - a former AIADMK leader - as the state BJP chief, raising eyebrows and suggesting behind-the-scenes negotiations.

From AIADMK's standpoint, the alliance is a pragmatic move. The party suffered a major setback in the last state elections, managing to win only 66 seats - a loss of 70 seats - garnering 39.29% of the popular vote, which marked a 7.59% drop. In contrast, the DMK surged ahead with 133 seats and 45.70% of the vote share, capitalizing on issues tied to Tamil identity, language politics, and education policies to gain ground.

Since then, AIADMK has struggled with internal rifts, while the DMK has maintained a strong presence by tapping into local sentiment. The Sanatan Dharma controversy also played to the DMK's advantage, resonating with specific voter bases. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections further highlighted AIADMK's dwindling support - it failed to win a single seat and saw its vote share fall to 23.05%. The BJP, however, made a surprising leap, securing 18.28% of the popular vote in the state, despite having little grassroots presence.

For the BJP, which has long sought a foothold in Tamil Nadu, this alliance could be a calculated step forward. With AIADMK's extensive network and the potential inclusion of regional allies with localized influence, the NDA may be able to mount a serious challenge to the ruling DMK in 2026.

However, the road ahead won't be easy. Ground reports suggest that the DMK isn't facing strong anti-incumbency - a crucial factor in Tamil Nadu's electoral dynamics. Whether this alliance can generate enough momentum to topple the DMK remains to be seen.

By forging this partnership well in advance, the BJP and AIADMK have given themselves time to craft a comprehensive campaign. The early announcement offers an opportunity to mend fences, coordinate efforts, and appeal to a broader electorate.

Ultimately, the success of this renewed alliance will depend on its ability to overcome past differences and present a united, compelling alternative to Tamil Nadu's voters. The countdown to 2026 has begun, but the final verdict, as always, lies in the hands of the people.

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