The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) on Wednesday formally announced its decision to join the AIADMK-BJP alliance in the run-up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The development was revealed after a meeting between AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and PMK president Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss at Palaniswami’s Greenways Road residence in Chennai.
Following discussions on alliance arrangements, both leaders addressed the media, confirming PMK’s entry into the Opposition bloc. Palaniswami said the alliance was forged in accordance with the aspirations of party leaders, workers and supporters from both parties. Describing it as a strong electoral partnership, he said the combined objective was to unseat what he termed the anti-people DMK government and establish an administration focused on welfare and development.
Expressing confidence in the alliance’s prospects, Palaniswami stated that the AIADMK-led front was aiming to win a majority of the 234 Assembly seats and return to power with a decisive mandate. He noted that while seat-sharing talks had been concluded, further details would be announced at a later stage.
Dr Anbumani Ramadoss called the alliance a long-awaited and positive development for PMK supporters. He said the party had joined hands with the AIADMK to challenge what he alleged was a corrupt, anti-women and anti-social justice DMK regime.
Citing feedback from his recent 100-day padayatra through rural parts of the state, Anbumani claimed there was widespread dissatisfaction with the DMK government, particularly in villages, and that people were keen to reflect this sentiment in the upcoming elections.
With PMK — regarded as a party with considerable influence and a notable vote base across nearly 100 Assembly constituencies — joining the AIADMK-BJP combine, the Opposition alliance is seen as gaining significant momentum ahead of the 2026 polls.
