CHENNAI: In an effort to strengthen the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), bringing in more constituents, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is likely to meet Union Home Minister and BJP master strategist Amit Shah during the latter’s visit to Tamil Nadu on January 4 and 5.

Who all to bring into the alliance, and how to bring them in, will become clearer after the proposed meeting between the two leaders, people privy to the developments claim. At present, NDA is stuck in a stalemate, with old allies buying time before making a decision.

At present, the AIADMK-led partnership in the State is left with only smaller parties, such as the Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar), led by GK Vasan, Puthiya Needhi Katchi, and Tamilaga Munnetra Kazhagam. The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam are yet to announce its alliance stance.

Efforts to bring TTV Dhinakaran and O Panneerselvam back into the NDA have not yielded results so far, though the BJP is said to be continuing its attempts to include them. Convincing AIADMK chief Palaniswami is expected to take much of the discussion with Shah, party insiders say.

The PMK is currently split into two factions led by Ramadoss and Anbumani Ramadoss, and the BJP has been attempting to unite the two groups to avoid splitting Vanniyar votes.

In this backdrop, Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive in Tiruchy on January 4 to attend Pongal celebrations in Pudukkottai and will stay in Tamil Nadu for two days. During this visit, Edappadi Palaniswami is expected to meet the Union Home Minister.

Sources said the discussions are likely to focus on finalising the parties that will be part of the alliance and on seat-sharing arrangements, including the BJP's.

Following the meeting between Amit Shah and Edappadi Palaniswami, election-related activities of the NDA are expected to gain momentum in the State.