NDA’s Big Claim: Amit Shah Says They’ll Rule Tamil Nadu and Bengal by 2026
Here’s What’s Going On
So Amit Shah just dropped a bombshell—he’s saying the NDA’s gonna form governments in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal after the 2026 elections. Bold move, right? This was during his second trip to Tamil Nadu in just two months, which tells you the BJP isn’t messing around. They’re pushing hard into states that’ve always been regional party strongholds. And honestly? It’s not just talk. With the DMK government constantly locking horns with the Centre and whispers of anti-incumbency against Mamata’s TMC, Shah’s playing a calculated game here.
Why Shah Thinks This Will Work
Let me break it down for you. This isn’t some random prediction—the BJP’s been eyeing these states for years. First it was “Congress-mukt Bharat,” now they’re gunning for “opposition-mukt Bharat.” At recent rallies, Shah kept harping on about the NDA’s “united strength.” Translation: backroom deals are happening to get smaller parties on board. He’s smart—mixing nationalism with digs at how these states are being run. The message? 2026 could be their big chance to crack the South and East.
Tamil Nadu: BJP’s Tough Battle
Okay, real talk—Shah visiting Tamil Nadu so often shows how serious they are. But here’s the thing: it’s an uphill climb. The DMK’s Dravidian politics runs deep, there’s that whole Hindi imposition fear, and their alliance scene? Messy. But check this out—they made Nainar Nagenthiran state BJP chief, which shows they’re finally getting local leadership matters. Shah’s basically playing matchmaker with unhappy allies like PMK and DMDK. The plan? Gather all the small fish under NDA and position themselves as the clean alternative to DMK’s “family rule.”
The Alliance Mess in TN
Here’s where it gets tricky. The NDA in Tamil Nadu is hanging by a thread—PMK’s got internal fights, DMDK’s sulking after being denied a Rajya Sabha seat. Shah’s gotta keep these guys happy without giving away too much. They’re banking on anger against DMK—NEET issues, federal overreach—but can they shake off that “outsider” tag? That’s the million-dollar question.
West Bengal: BJP’s Long Game
Over in Bengal, the BJP’s betting on TMC’s mistakes. Remember the violent 2021 elections? That’s when BJP became the main opposition. Since then, they’ve been working the ground hard. Corruption cases, law-and-order problems, Mamata’s polarizing style—all ammo for BJP. Shah’s recent visits? Focused on tribal and SC/ST areas, trying to copy their Assam playbook. But let’s be real—TMC still has loyal voters. 2026 will be about who lasts longer in this marathon.
How DMK and TMC Are Reacting
No surprises here—both parties are hitting back hard. DMK leaders called Shah “delusional,” accusing BJP of divide-and-rule politics. TMC? They’re laughing it off, pointing to their 2021 win as proof they’re unbeatable. But between you and me? They’re worried. DMK’s rolling out more welfare schemes, TMC’s doing soft-Hindu outreach to counter BJP’s Hindutva. The mind games have started.
What’s Working For and Against NDA
Look, it’s not smooth sailing. In Tamil Nadu, caste math and regional pride are huge hurdles. In Bengal, BJP needs to tone down its hardcore image to get swing voters. But opportunities? Plenty—anti-government mood, frustrated youth, and let’s not forget BJP’s killer organizational skills. The next two years? All about Shah’s ability to stitch alliances and make BJP look less like a “North Indian party.”
The Bottom Line
Shah’s 2026 prediction is gutsy, but not impossible. BJP’s southern and eastern dreams depend on two things—managing fragile alliances and capitalizing on opposition weaknesses. Will they actually beat DMK and TMC? Too early to say. But one thing’s clear—the political chessboard is set. Keep an eye on Shah’s moves in coming months—who he brings onboard, who he ditches, what stories he spins—because the 2026 countdown has officially begun.
