CHENNAI: Union Minister and BJP's Tamil Nadu Assembly election in-charge Piyush Goyal will begin a series of high-level consultations in Chennai on Wednesday, signalling a decisive push to firm up the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) electoral framework in the State ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on January 23.

Goyal will chair a meeting of the BJP's State core committee at a private hotel in Guindy, where he is staying, to review organisational preparedness, campaign strategy and alliance-related developments. The meeting will also focus on logistical and political arrangements for the Prime Minister's public meeting at Madurantakam on Friday, which is being positioned as the formal launch of the NDA's Assembly election campaign in Tamil Nadu.

"Piyush Goyal will seek detailed field updates from State leaders and discuss campaign strategy. He will also be briefed on the preparations for the Prime Minister's rally and is likely to visit the Madurantakam venue later, " party sources said.

Sources said the BJP leadership is keen to conclude alliance negotiations before Modi's visit, with talks involving key regional players reaching a crucial stage. According to insiders, discussions with TTV Dhinakaran-led AMMK and Premalatha Vijayakanth's DMDK are at an advanced phase and an understanding could be finalised within the next two days.

During his stay in the State capital, Goyal is also expected to hold consultations with alliance leaders, including AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran and DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth. The simultaneous presence of Palaniswami, Dhinakaran, Premalatha and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam in Chennai has added momentum to political speculation around the alliance talks.`

"Seat-sharing discussions between the BJP and the AIADMK are yet to be concluded. However, agreements with parties such as the Anbumani Ramadoss-led PMK, AMMK and DMDK are expected to be wrapped up before they share the stage with the Prime Minister and EPS on January 23," a senior BJP leader told DT Next.

While party sources indicated that Dhinakaran and Premalatha are likely to share the dais with Modi at Madurantakam, they remained non-committal on the possible induction of O Panneerselvam into the NDA fold.

"Talks with O Panneerselvam did not progress smoothly. Whether Goyal will meet him remains uncertain, though he appears to be hopeful and has camped in Chennai ahead of the visit," another leader said.

Open to Sasikala's support, says Nainar

Meanwhile, BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran said the NDA would welcome support from any leader or party, including VK Sasikala, if it was extended in the larger interest of the people.

Responding to questions from reporters in New Delhi on whether Sasikala's reported decision to back the NDA would be acceptable, Nainar Nagenthran said, "If anyone supports the NDA, we will accept it. Whoever extends support, keeping the welfare of the people in mind, will be welcomed."

When asked whether the BJP's position differed from that of AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, who has earlier said Sasikala could not be accepted, the BJP leader reiterated his stand. "If support is extended, it will be accepted, " he said.

On speculation surrounding AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran joining the NDA, Nainar declined to comment directly, saying the picture would become clear at the Prime Minister's public meeting scheduled for January 23. "You will know who all are part of the alliance when you see who shares the stage that day, " he said.

Asked about reports that banners carrying Dhinakaran's photographs had come up near the rally venue, the BJP leader said, "I welcome good people wherever their photographs are displayed."