नवीनतम
Dhinakaran formally rejoined the NDA alliance
CHENNAI [Maha Media]: AMMK general secretary T T V Dhinakaran formally rejoined the NDA on Wednesday.
Dhinakaran met Union minister Piyush Goyal to convey his party’s support for forming what he called “good governance” in the state.
On his party joining NDA, AMMK Party General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran says, "With the larger objective in mind, we should not allow old issues to overshadow the party’s interests, the welfare of Tamil Nadu, or push them aside. Making compromises for the common good does not weaken us. Likewise, as Amma’s cadres—who serve as a unifying force—we will come together as one and stand firmly to ensure that Amma’s rule returns to Tamil Nadu, that people’s governance is restored, and that good governance prevails. That is our clear stand."
Asked about aligning with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami after opposing him, Dhinakaran said making compromises would not weaken his side, and described it as a “dispute between allies” with Palaniswami.
He said his decision was driven by a larger objective of not harming either the party’s prospects or Tamil Nadu’s interests, and asserted that AMMK cadres, whom he described as followers of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa, would unite as one team to help bring back “Amma’s rule”, people’s rule and good governance in the state.
Dhinakaran’s return to the NDA marks a significant political ..
Dhinakaran’s return to the NDA marks a significant political climbdown from his earlier stance, when he had publicly labelled Palaniswami a “traitor” and repeatedly ruled out working under his leadership.
Several AMMK supporters are now worried that the decision could erode what they describe as the party’s “organic anti-EPS vote base,” particularly among the Thevar community in southern Tamil Nadu.
Soon after the alliance was confirmed, Dhinakaran stepped up his attack on the ruling DMK, accusing the state government of failing to rein in drug abuse and allowing law-and-order conditions to deteriorate.
AMMK leaders said Dhinakaran will attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public meeting in Chennai on January 23 and mobilise party workers there as a demonstration of strength following the alliance.
“We accept our leader’s decision, but there is anxiety about its electoral impact and the possibility of losing voters opposed to EPS for sidelining the Thevar community,” said a former MLA and senior AMMK functionary. Another leader said the AMMK had polled between 30,000 and 40,000 votes in around 20 Assembly segments in southern Tamil Nadu in previous elections, hurting AIADMK’s prospects.
Speculation over the tie-up had gathered pace after BJP banners at the venue for Modi’s upcoming rally in Chengalpattu featured Dhinakaran’s photograph alongside NDA leaders, including Tamil Maanila Congress president G K Vasan, Tamil Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam founder John Pandian, IJK founder Parivendhar, AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami and senior BJP leaders.
Confirming the alliance, BJP leaders said seat-sharing discussions have begun. A senior BJP leader said the party has proposed offering seven Assembly seats to Dhinakaran, including Andipatti and Sholingur. Talks are also underway to accommodate O Panneerselvam along with the AMMK, the leader added.
AIADMK leaders said they had no objection to Dhinakaran joining the NDA as long as Palaniswami approved the move. “We have opposed his induction into AIADMK, not his presenc
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a public meeting at Maduranthakam in Tamil Nadu's Chengalpattu district on January 23, as the BJP intensifies efforts ahead of the State assembly elections.
The public meeting will mark the clarion call for the National Democratic Alliance for the Assembly polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver a special address, and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, GK Vasan, John Pandian, and other leaders of alliance parties will also attend the event.
The NDA led by AIADMK and the BJP in Tamil Nadu will look to defeat the ruling DMK-Congress alliance. The election will feature a triangular contest after actor-turned-politician Vijay has launched his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and is eyeing the top spot.
Tamil Nadu is scheduled to hold Assembly elections in the first half of 2026, and political activity in the state is intensifying as parties roll out their campaign strategies and manifestos.
