Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah on Friday announced a formal alliance between the BJP and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) aimed at defeating the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Shah said that Tamil Nadu would see a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in 2026, specifying that it would be a coalition led nationally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and at the state level by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. “This partnership will pave the way for a strong NDA government in Tamil Nadu,” Shah stated during the announcement.

Addressing speculation about the inclusion of expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) chief TTV Dhinakaran in the coalition, Shah clarified that the BJP would not meddle in the AIADMK’s internal matters.

“That is for the AIADMK to decide. We respect their autonomy,” he said, emphasizing that the alliance was forged based on shared goals rather than interference.

Shah highlighted the historical ties between the two parties, noting, “The BJP and AIADMK have contested elections together in the past. This alliance is a natural extension of our mutual interest in bringing development and good governance to Tamil Nadu.”

The announcement was attended by key figures from both parties, including Palaniswami, senior AIADMK leaders KP Munusamy and SP Velumani, Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai, and the party’s president-elect Nainar Nagendran, signaling a united front.

Launching a scathing attack on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Shah accused the party of raising divisive issues like Sanatan Dharma and the free language policy to divert attention from pressing governance failures.

Shah, speaking on Friday during the announcement of the BJP-AIADMK alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, asserted that voters would instead prioritize the DMK’s alleged corruption and deteriorating law and order in the upcoming polls.

Shah claimed that the DMK’s tactics are a smokescreen to mask critical issues plaguing the state. “In Tamil Nadu, the DMK is bringing up topics like Sanatan Dharma and language policies primarily to distract people from core concerns,” he said.

He said that the electorate would hold the government accountable for what he described as widespread corruption, a collapse in law enforcement, and rising atrocities against Dalits and women.

Highlighting specific allegations, Shah demanded answers from the DMK administration. “The DMK government needs to explain to the people of Tamil Nadu about the ₹39,000 crore liquor scam, the sand mining scam, the energy scam, the transport scam, and the money laundering scam,” he charged, listing a series of financial irregularities he attributed to the ruling party.

The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes has formally submitted its caste census report — a detailed socio-economic and educational survey — to the state cabinet. The much-anticipated document is set to be reviewed in the cabinet meeting scheduled for April 17.

With this move, Karnataka becomes the second Congress-ruled state, after Telangana, to complete and submit a caste-based survey. The initiative aims to assess the socio-economic conditions and educational status of various communities in the state, potentially laying the groundwork for policy reforms and reservation realignment. However, the report’s submission has already stirred political controversy.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticised the report, alleging that it serves political motives. Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka questioned the integrity of the data collection and accused the Congress government of fuelling caste-based tensions.

“The people conducting the caste census did not visit every household. This report has been prepared under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s instructions. Since it has political motives, no one will accept it,” Ashoka said.

“A caste census should be conducted, yes, but this report was designed to sow discord among castes for someone’s benefit. This is exactly what the Congress wants,” he added.

The BJP’s criticism comes amid ongoing debates across states regarding the necessity, accuracy, and implications of caste-based data collection.

Cabinet to decide next steps on April 17

While the Congress government has maintained that the caste survey is intended to ensure fair and data-driven policy making, the report’s contents remain under wraps until it is formally reviewed by the cabinet on April 17.

The discussion is likely to determine whether the findings will be made public and how they might be used to reshape welfare schemes or reservation quotas in Karnataka.

Bollywood actor Nushrratt Bharuccha shared a video of her interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarati during an event. She happily took to X, sharing a series of vibrant pictures and videos from the event.

In one touching moment captured in the first photo, Nushrratt warmly shook hands with PM Modi. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to him for facilitating her safe return from Israel amidst a critical situation, to which the Prime Minister acknowledged, “Bada sankat tha… Accha hua aapne turant message kardiya,” reflecting on the seriousness of the crisis and her prompt communication.

Their interaction took a personal turn when they shared a conversation in Gujarati, filled with smiles and laughter. Nushrratt nodded in appreciation, replying, “Thank you so much, sir. I just wanted to say my deepest…”

Overwhelmed by the experience, Nushrratt shared a video of their interaction with the caption: “Truly honoured and deeply grateful for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi! It was an incredible privilege to thank you in person, Modi Ji, for your unwavering leadership and the swift action taken by your government to bring back Indian citizens, including myself, stranded in Israel during the recent conflict.”

Adding a personal touch, she included a note in Gujarati that expressed her sincere gratitude: “Aap no aa mulakat badal khub khub aabhar. Maari mate aa zindagi bhar ni yaadgir reh se,” which translates to, “It was an honour to meet you. I’ll remember this my whole life.”

Nushrratt’s ordeal dates back to 2023, when she found herself in the midst of turmoil in Tel Aviv as conflict erupted between Israeli forces and Hamas. Fortunately, thanks to the diligent efforts of Indian officials, she was rescued safely.

On the cinematic front, Nushrratt’s latest film, Chhorii 2, directed by Vishal Furia, made its debut on Prime Video. This sequel to the 2021 horror sensation brings together a stellar cast, including Soha Ali Khan, Gashmeer Mahajani, Saurabh Goyal, Pallavi Ajay, Kuldeep Sareen, and Hardika Sharma. Exploring themes of folklore, gender inequality, and a mother’s unbreakable bond with her daughter, Chhorii 2 promises to enthrall audiences with its gripping narrative.