Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran on Wednesday declared that his party is no longer part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, marking a major shift ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Once a steadfast ally of the BJP, Dhinakaran said his party would decide on new alliances only in December, after wide consultations with functionaries and cadres. Speaking to reporters in Tenkasi, he noted that his earlier support for the BJP during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was “unconditional and in the national interest”, as he and his party believed Narendra Modi’s third term as Prime Minister would benefit the country.

However, he drew a sharp distinction between national and state elections. “The 2026 Assembly elections are different from the Lok Sabha polls. We will announce our alliance decision only in December, taking into account the sentiments of our cadres and office-bearers,” he said.

The AMMK chief also dismissed the idea that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s efforts to bring the AIADMK factions together had succeeded. “The attempt to unify AIADMK has failed,” he said, while leaving the door open to possible collaborations with other parties, including Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS) has also distanced himself from the BJP alliance. Recently, he convened a meeting with supporters in Alwarpet, Chennai, where three key resolutions were adopted, including a formal withdrawal from the NDA.

Panruti Ramachandran, who was present, announced that OPS would undertake a state-wide tour, emphasising that his group was not currently aligned with any party. OPS has also called for unity within the AIADMK, urging all factions to stand together to revive the party’s lost influence.

With the Assembly polls expected in April or May 2026, Tamil Nadu’s political landscape is fast shifting. The ruling DMK-led alliance, the AIADMK, and the BJP-led bloc remain key players, while Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) and TVK have confirmed they will contest independently.

Against this backdrop, Dhinakaran’s move to exit the NDA and keep alliance options open adds to the fluidity of the state’s political scene.

-IANS

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ராமேஸ்வரம் ராமநாத சுவாமியை தரிசிக்க உள்ளூர் மக்களுக்கு கட்டணம் விதிப்பதா ? உள்ளூர் பக்தர்களின் வழிபாட்டு உரிமைக்கு எதிரான செயலை இந்து சமய அறநிலையத்துறை உடனடியாக திரும்பப்பெற வேண்டும்.

ராமநாதபுரம் மாவட்டம் ராமேஸ்வரத்தில் அமைந்துள்ள ராமநாதசுவாமி கோயிலில் உள்ளூர் மக்கள்…

— TTV Dhinakaran (@TTVDhinakaran) June 9, 2025

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AMMK General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran has demanded a thorough investigation into the attempted suicide of a labourer outside the RK Nagar police station. He has called for stringent action against the police if allegations of negligence are substantiated. According to reports, the laborer’s desperate act stemmed from the alleged refusal of police to register his complaint.

The man had sought help, claiming his life was under threat from individuals working at a workshop in the Pulianthope area. Dhinakaran criticized the police for their reported indifference, which he described as emblematic of a larger issue.

Taking to his official X handle to slam the DMK government, TTK Dinakaran wrote, “A laborer attempted suicide by setting himself on fire in front of the police station after the complaint was refused – strict action should be taken against the negligent RK Nagar police station guards. The news that a laborer from Pulianthope area, who attempted suicide by pouring petrol in front of the RK Nagar police station in Chennai, is receiving treatment in a hospital with burns all over his body and is in a life-threatening condition is shocking. It is said that the main reason for the suicide attempt was the refusal to accept the complaint filed by the laborer at the RK Nagar police station, alleging that his life was in danger due to some people working in a workshop in the Pulianthope area, and the poor treatment he received.

The reason why such tragic incidents occur right in front of the police station is that the police, which should be responsible for addressing the grievances and suffering of the people and providing them with appropriate protection, has become the puppet of the ruling party. Already, in a context where police torture and deaths are said to be on the rise in Tamil Nadu since the DMK came to power, a few police officers who continue to treat those who come to file complaints with disrespect and act indifferently have created distrust among the public towards the entire police force. Therefore, I urge Chief Minister Shri. M.K. Stalin to conduct a proper investigation into the incident of a laborer attempting suicide in front of the R.K. Nagar police station and take strict action against the police officers if it is confirmed that they acted negligently. @CMOTamilnadu”

புகாரை ஏற்க மறுத்ததால் காவல்நிலையம் முன்பாகவே தீக்குளித்து தற்கொலைக்கு முயன்ற கூலித் தொழிலாளி – அலட்சியமாக செயல்பட்ட ஆர்.கே.நகர் காவல்நிலைய காவலர்கள் மீது கடுமையான நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும்.

சென்னை ஆர்.கே.நகர் காவல் நிலையத்தின் முன்பாக, பெட்ரோல் ஊற்றி தற்கொலைக்கு முயன்ற…

— TTV Dhinakaran (@TTVDhinakaran) January 21, 2025

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Frustration is mounting among villagers of Parandur and nearby areas as they threaten to relocate to Andhra Pradesh due to the lack of response from authorities regarding their prolonged protest against the acquisition of their lands for Chennai’s second airport.

The Tamil Nadu government issued the notification for acquisition of land for the Parandur airport soon after the results of the Lok Sabha polls were declared. Their opposition has taken many forms, including sit-ins, protest marches, hunger strikes, the hoisting of black flags, and election boycotts. Each night, villagers assemble in Eganapuram for a silent protest, a steadfast demonstration of their resistance for nearly two years.

Initially, the villagers received support from opposition parties, but they now feel abandoned, left to advocate for their cause alone. Meanwhile, authorities remain focused on completing the airport by 2028, pressing ahead with land acquisition. Originally planned to cover 4,870 acres across 13 villages, the project has expanded to 5,746 acres in 20 villages, worsening the villagers’ plight.

Desperate and with no viable alternatives, Parandur residents announced on Saturday their plan to move to Andhra Pradesh. “It is better to move out of Tamil Nadu rather than live as a slave here in our own land,” the villagers declared, expressing their deep sense of betrayal and desperation.

The villagers’ sustained and varied protests aim to highlight their grievances and stop the airport project, but their efforts seem to have been ignored, with little intervention from political leaders or government assurances to address their concerns.

The authorities’ determination to complete the airport by 2028 has intensified the land acquisition process, causing more distress among the affected communities. Expanding the project from 4,870 acres in 13 villages to 5,746 acres in 20 villages underscores the government’s commitment to the project, despite local opposition.

Amidst the turmoil, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam chief TTV Dhinakaran came down heavy on the DMK government for ignoring the plight of the protestors.

In a strongly-worded statement, Dhinakaran said “The Tamil Nadu government’s plan to implement the new airport project in Paranthur, which threatens to destroy agricultural lands, water bodies, and residences, thereby completely disrupting the livelihoods of farmers and civilians, has caused an unprecedented crisis. For the first time in independent India, citizens are fleeing their own state, effectively becoming refugees due to the actions of their government.”

He urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to immediately engage with the people and farmers of Paranthur who have decided to leave Tamil Nadu and called for the withdrawal of the notification for land acquisition for the Paranthur Airport.

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In the electoral fray of Theni Parliamentary Constituency, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nominated TTV Dhinakaran, the General Secretary of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), as its candidate. Interestingly, the DMK has put forward Thanga Tamilselvan, who was once a colleague of Dhinakaran in the same constituency. Additionally, the AIADMK has selected V T Narayanasamy. This sets the stage for a compelling Lok Sabha election constituency, with former colleagues now competing closely against each other.

Subsequently, a consultative meeting of NDA activists convened in Andipatti. During this gathering, TTV Dhinakaran, asserted that Narendra Modi stands as the prime ministerial nominee for the NDA. Contrastingly, questioned the identity of the prime ministerial candidate within the DMK alliance, emphasizing the relative obscurity of Stalin beyond Tamil Nadu’s borders.

Later taking on ADMK, he criticized Edappadi Palaniswami’s use of the double leaf symbol, historically associated with MGR, insinuating its deployment to undermine the DMK while ostensibly supporting it. Dhinakaran accused Palaniswami of clandestinely bolstering the DMK’s interests, effectively operating as its surrogate.

While speaking about Edappadi Palaniswami, Dhinakaran stated, “Betraying former chief minister OPS, and betraying Delhi that wanted to save Amma’s regime and safeguarded them for four and a half years. Otherwise we would have blown up this regime that very day, that is the truth. Palaniswami thought we are holding them by positions and with money. Nothing like that”

பாஜக இல்லை என்றால், மோடி துணை இல்லை என்றால் ஒரு நொடி கூட எடப்பாடியால் ஆட்சி நடத்தியிருக்க முடியாது என்பது ஊரறிந்த உண்மை..

எடப்பாடி இங்கே 4 வருடம் ஆட்சி செய்தார் என்றால் அது பாஜக போட்ட பிச்சை.. https://t.co/kW724XEwoE pic.twitter.com/e4HarRf4lB

— SundarRajaCholan𑌸𑍁𑌨𑍍𑌦𑌰𑍍 𑌰𑌾𑌜 𑌚𑍋𑌳𑌼𑌨 (@sundarrajachola) March 26, 2024

Then he highlighted the Tamil Nadu electorate’s awareness of this alleged deception, suggesting a shift in support towards the NDA. Drawing upon the legacies of MGR and Jayalalithaa, Dhinakaran stressed the imperative of eradicating the DMK. He underscored the ideological alignment towards making Narendra Modi the Prime Minister once again, transcending the mere distribution of electoral tickets.

(With Inputs From Daily Thanthi)

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BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai has stirred a political controversy with his indirect jibe at late AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa. This has led to further straining of relationship between the BJP and AIADMK with the question of alliance hanging by a single thread.

In an interview to Times of India, Annamalai had conveyed that he and his party would question any government that swindled public money. Though Annamalai did not take any names, the comment that hasn’t gone well with AIADMK as well as TTV Dhinakaran’s AMMK is the line where he mentioned about former Chief Ministers getting convicted by a court of law, an indirect reference to Jayalalithaa.

“Many administrations in Tamil Nadu were corrupt, and former Chief Ministers have been convicted in courts of law. That is why Tamil Nadu has become one of the most corrupt states. I would say it holds the number one position in terms of corruption,” replied Annamalai when asked for his agreement on whether the period between 1991-96, when Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK was in power, was one of the worst periods in terms of corruption.

With this comment, Annamalai has stirred a hornet’s nest antagonizing both the AIADMK as well as TTV Dhinakaran’s AMMK which is considered as a potential ally for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

AIADMK leader D. Jayakumar said “Instead of criticising the DMK… passing comments against an alliance partner is not acceptable. We strongly condemn his statement. AIADMK workers wish to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi get elected again (in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls). But Annamalai’s action just implies that he does not want the AIADMK and the BJP alliance to continue and Modi to become the prime minister again.”

Jayakumar stated that if elections were to be held today, the AIADMK-led alliance could win around 30 Lok Sabha seats, and they have a chance to secure all 40 seats, including Puducherry, with six to eight months left before the polls.

He called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President J.P. Nadda to reign in Annamalai, warning that the party will decide on the alliance if no action is taken.

TTV Dhinakaran too condemned Annamalai for his indirect reference to Jayalalithaa saying that Annamalai is an inexperienced leader who is ignorant of the political history of Tamil Nadu. He pointed out that late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani forged an alliance with Jayalalithaa for the 1998 Lok Sabha elections. He said that at a public meeting held in Marina Beach, Vajpayee hailed Jayalalithaa. It is another matter that Jayalalithaa brought down the Vajpayee government by 1 vote in just 13 months.

TTV Dhinakaran also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi too shared a cordial relationship with her. “It is condemnable that Annamalai is talking without any political nuance.”, Dhinakaran said in his statement.

He also questioned about the action taken by Central Government agencies against AIADMK leaders accused of corruption during the Edappadi K Palaniswami regime.

“Annamalai who has been releasing asset list of DMK leaders and their families for the past two years, can he mention what steps he has taken through the Central Government to take action against them? Just raiding them cannot be a solution. Annamalai who talks about elimination corruption should think about taking proper steps as well. Annamalai who has no maturity and talks as he wish should introspect whether he is fit to to be the State President of a national party.”, Dhinakaran said.

அண்ணாமலையின் பேச்சு;
தமிழக அரசியல் வரலாறு தெரியாத
அனுபவமற்ற அரசியல்வாதியின் பேச்சு! @annamalai_k pic.twitter.com/75ZD5F2GqE

— TTV Dhinakaran (@TTVDhinakaran) June 13, 2023

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Tamil Nadu Police arrested an AMMK functionary for a meme targeting Chief Minister’s son Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Sports Ministry, in what appears to be a blatant abuse of power by the ruling DMK government.

Csc Senthil, Secretary of TTV Dinakaran’s Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam’s (AMMK) Nagapattinam district environment protection and awareness wing, was arrested by Tamil Nadu police for posting a meme that took a jibe on Tamil Nadu sports ministry headed by Udhayanidhi Stalin.

The AMMK functionary had shared a screenshot from the film ‘Gentleman,’ in which actor Senthil introduces games like “coupling”, “spooling”, etc, stating that the new Tamil Nadu sports ministry will be introducing such new games.

Instead of taking it in their stride, the DMK government has arrested the AMMK functionary for the harmless meme.

TTV Dhinakaran, general secretary of the AMMK, has condemned the DMK government’s arrest of his cadre for a Facebook post. In his Twitter handle, TTV Dhinakaran said,” Nagapattinam District Corporation Environmental Protection and Awareness wing Secretary Mr. CSC Senthilkumaran has been arrested in a false case by the autocratic DMK regime. I urge that he be released immediately. Only those who allow freedom of expression can become leaders in a democracy. Ministers like Udhayanidhi should understand this. Such retaliatory measures are not acceptable.”

நாகப்பட்டினம் மாவட்ட கழக சுற்றுசூழல் பாதுகாப்பு மற்றும் விழிப்புணர்வு பிரிவு செயலாளர் திரு.CSC.செந்தில்குமரன் எதேச்சதிகார தி.மு.க ஆட்சியில் பொய் வழக்கில் கைது செய்யப்பட்டிருப்பது கடும் கண்டனத்திற்குரியது.அவரை உடனடியாக விடுதலை செய்ய வேண்டும் என வலியுறுத்துகிறேன். 1/2 @CMOTamilnadu

— TTV Dhinakaran (@TTVDhinakaran) December 26, 2022

AMMK cadres and members of the public expressed their displeasure at the arrest of an AMMK party official by the DMK government for a Facebook meme and demanded the release of the functionary. AMMK cadres are trending a Twitter hash tag #செந்திலை_விடுதலைசெய், demanding his release.

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V K Sasikala, the former aide to Jayalalithaa was discharged from Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka on January 31.

Sasikala was formally released from the central jail in Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara on January 27. However, she spent some more days at the Victoria Hospital as she was recently diagnosed with COVID-19.

She was admitted to the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Bengaluru on the evening of January 20 after she had fever, breathlessness and cough with her oxygen levels dipping.

Later she was diagnosed with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and was sent for a CT Scan for further investigation.

Officials had suspected she might have been infected with COVID as she showed symptoms of fever and breathlessness.

While the AIADMK led by CM Palaniswami and Deputy CM O. Panneerselvam have stated that Sasikala’s release would not have any impact on the ground, it is expected that at least a ripple would be created in the party. It is expected that Sasikala will be joining the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), which was founded as a separate party by Sasikala’s nephew TTV Dhinakaran.

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