The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of 27 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, scheduled for April 23, 2026. The announcement signals the party's early preparations as it aims to strengthen its presence in the state.
Among the prominent names, Union Minister L. Murugan will contest from the Avanashi constituency, while former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan has been fielded from Mylapore. BJP Mahila Morcha national president Vanathi Srinivasan will contest from Coimbatore North, a key constituency in the western region.
The party has also nominated Krithika Shivkumar from Modakkurichi, Vijayadharani S from Vilavancode, and Nagesh Kumar from Thalli. Other candidates include M.R. Gandhi from Nagercoil, as the BJP seeks to field a mix of experienced leaders and new faces.
Notably, former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai will not be contesting in this election. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to the party through a message on X, congratulating the candidates and pledging full support for the campaign.
Annamalai criticised the ruling DMK government, accusing it of corruption, complacency, and failing the people of Tamil Nadu. He stated that while India is progressing under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the state has been held back by what he described as an "arrogant and self-serving" administration.
"I will stand shoulder to shoulder with our candidates and campaign across the state," Annamalai said, expressing confidence in the BJP-led NDA alliance. He added that the alliance is targeting a decisive victory, aiming to win 210 of the 234 seats in the Assembly.
Polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly will take place on April 23, with voting counting scheduled for May 4.
