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BJP announces 27 candidates for Tamil Nadu polls, excluding Annamalai
03 Apr 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its list of 27 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The party is contesting in alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

Notably, former state chief K Annamalai's name is missing from the list. The announcement was delayed as the party tried to convince Annamalai to contest, but he eventually declined, TNM reported.

Five women nominees in BJP's TN list
Women representation

The BJP's list has five women nominees, including Tamilisai Soundararajan, Vanathi Srinivasan, Kirthika Shivkumar, Kavitha Srikanth and Vijayadharani.

Other prominent candidates include M Rajasimha Mahindra from Avadi and Minister of State L Murugan from Avanashi.

The party has also fielded Govi Chandru (Tiruvarur), M Muruganandham (Thanjavur) among others.

Annamalai declines to contest from Thalli
Seat-sharing dispute

Annamalai had earlier expressed his displeasure with the AIADMK over seat-sharing, alleging that the BJP was given constituencies where it has little presence.

He had contested from Aravakurichi in 2021 and Coimbatore in 2024 but lost both elections.

In February, after being made campaign manager for six constituencies, Annamalai sought to be relieved due to his father's health issues.

BJP's candidates for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections
Candidate details

The AIADMK, headed by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, will contest 169 seats under its own symbol, leaving 65 seats for its seven alliance partners.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections for all 234 constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 23, with the vote counting slated for May 4.

This time, Tamilaga Ventri Kazhagam (TVK), founded by actor-politician Vijay, will be making its debut.