A fresh political storm has gripped Tamil Nadu after the announcement of a renewed alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.

Reacting sharply to the development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the AIADMK of aligning with the BJP out of fear, suggesting the move was motivated by concerns over possible Enforcement Directorate (ED) action.

The BJP swiftly countered the criticism, asserting that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) would be ousted from power in the next election cycle. Party leaders claimed the people of Tamil Nadu were ready for a change in leadership.

Meanwhile, TVK Chief Vijay expressed skepticism over the significance of the BJP-AIADMK tie-up, calling it merely an “eye wash.” He asserted that the real electoral contest in 2026 would be between his party and the DMK, effectively downplaying the relevance of the newly announced alliance.

As political narratives begin to shape the lead-up to the 2026 elections, the BJP-AIADMK coalition has already stirred strong responses across party lines, setting the stage for an intense electoral battle in the state.

With the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission reportedly recommending increasing the reservation for other backward classes in its Socio-Economic and Educational Survey report, the Siddaramaiah government may lob the ball into the Centre’s court, as a constitutional amendment is required with the total quota exceeding 50%.

The state cabinet is likely to decide on this when it meets on April 17 and could set up a cabinet sub-committee to look into the issue.

The commission, headed by K Jayaprakash Hegde, which submitted its report to the government, has recommended the restructuring of the quota to one that is proportional to the population, considering the backwardness within the communities.

For the Muslim community, it has been proposed to hike the quota from the present 4% to 8% under 2B. It has also recommended increasing reservations for economically weaker sections among the Vokkaliga and Veerashaiva-Lingayat communities.

While recommending increasing the OBC quota from 32% to 51%, it has proposed increasing the quota from 3% to 7% for Vokkaligas and sub-sects under 3A and from 4% to 8% for Lingayats and sub-sects under 3B.

It has proposed a 6% hike under 1A for backward castes which are under Category I, 12% under 1B for certain castes under Categories I and II and 10% to some under Category II, sources said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday, April 13, paid heartfelt tributes to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, emphasizing the enduring courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives. The tragic event, where British colonial forces fired on unarmed protesters in Amritsar, remains a poignant symbol of India’s struggle for freedom.

In a post on X, Modi wrote, “We pay homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. Their indomitable spirit will forever inspire coming generations.” Reflecting on the massacre’s significance, he added, “It was a dark chapter in our nation’s history, but their sacrifice became a turning point in India’s fight for independence.”

The massacre occurred when hundreds of peaceful demonstrators, gathered to oppose the repressive Rowlatt Acts, were gunned down without warning by British troops at Jallianwala Bagh, leaving a deep scar on India’s collective memory.

Echoing similar sentiments, Gandhi stated, “I offer my humble tribute to the brave martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.” He described the tragedy as “a stark reminder of a dictatorial regime’s cruelty, one this country will never forget.” Gandhi stressed that the martyrs’ stand against injustice continues to motivate future generations to resist oppression and fight for justice.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also honoured the fallen, saying, “We bow our heads to the immortal martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh.” He praised the unarmed freedom fighters for their patriotism, courage, and selfless sacrifice, noting, “Their unforgettable contribution to the freedom struggle will live on forever in the heart of a grateful nation.”

On this day in 1919, British troops unleashed horror at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, gunning down over 1,000 unarmed civilians protesting the draconian Rowlatt Acts. General Reginald Dyer’s orders turned a peaceful gathering into a bloodbath, trapping men, women, and children in the walled garden. The massacre ignited nationwide fury, becoming a pivotal moment in India’s independence struggle. Now a memorial, the site stands as a solemn tribute to the martyrs’ unyielding spirit.