Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai Says NDA Will Boycott Erode East Bypoll, Focused On Dethroning DMK

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu has announced its decision to boycott the Erode East by-election on February 5. This move is part of a broader strategy to focus on defeating the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. BJP state president K Annamalai described the upcoming bypoll as a "by-election for a by-election," referencing a previous bypoll held in 2023.

With the BJP's withdrawal, the election is effectively uncontested. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) have also decided not to participate. The by-election was necessitated by the passing of Congress MLA EVKS Elangovan. The DMK has put forward VC Chandhirakumar as their candidate, representing their alliance with Congress.

Focus on 2026 Elections

Annamalai emphasised that the 2026 Assembly elections are crucial for removing the DMK from power. He accused the ruling party of confining people during elections due to their "arrogance." According to him, "The coming 2026 Assembly polls is one meant to remove the DMK (from the ruling saddle), and the NDA is moving towards that target and does not want to allow the DMK to confine people like cattle once again."

The NDA's decision to boycott was made after thorough discussions among its leaders who prioritise public welfare. Annamalai stated, "All the leaders of NDA who desire people's welfare, after detailed consultation, have decided to boycott the Erode East bypoll. Our target is to remove the DMK in the 2026 elections and give the NDA's good governance to people."

NDA's Strategy and Allegations

Annamalai criticised the current state government, describing it as anti-people and ineffective in maintaining law and order. He claimed that various sections of society are unsafe under DMK rule, which he referred to as a "dark period" for Tamil Nadu.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu includes parties like Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), and Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC). Notably, AIADMK was part of this alliance in 2023 when they contested but lost in a previous Erode East bypoll against Congress' Elangovan.