R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, APR 1
In a crucial pre-election move, the Bharatiya Janata Party is in the final stages of shortlisting candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, with an official announcement expected within the next couple of days.
- Central leadership set to clear shortlist as nominations deadline nears
- Piyush Goyal in Chennai to seal final picks
- Alliance arithmetic tightens with seat-sharing across NDA partners
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Union Minister Piyush Goyal visited Chennai, attended a BJP candidate list meeting at Kamalalayam led by BJP State President Nainar Nagendran with senior leaders, then departed back to Delhi pic.twitter.com/Pe5S8v7x6G
— IANS (@ians_india) March 31, 2026
Party insiders indicated that all candidates are likely to file their nominations on April 6, signalling a synchronised push by the BJP to consolidate its presence in the state.
Final Call with Central Leadership
The BJP’s Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal is currently in Chennai, holding key consultations to finalise the list.
State unit chief Nainar Nagendran confirmed the process, saying: “A committee has shortlisted three candidates for each constituency, and the names have been sent to the central leadership. The final list will be announced after approval from the parliamentary board.”
Inclusive Strategy, Key Names in Spotlight
Responding to queries on senio leaders, Nagendran said: “Everyone has been considered in the selection process, including women and youth.”
Speculation continues around former state chief K. Annamalai, amid reports of his reluctance to contest following seat-sharing concerns with the AIADMK.
Meanwhile, Vanathi Srinivasan and Annamalai are believed to be among contenders for key constituencies in Coimbatore district.
Seat-Sharing Matrix in NDA
Under the alliance framework:
- BJP is contesting 27 seats
- Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK): 18
- Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK): 11
- Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC): 5
- Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi (IJK): 2
- Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK): 1
Sources suggest Nagendran himself may enter the fray from the Sattur constituency, marking a significant electoral debut.
Polling Calendar Locked
Tamil Nadu is set to vote on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral contest.