Dhinakaran Defends AMMK Exit From NDA, Criticises Palaniswami

Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) chief T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Tuesday defended his party's decision to withdraw from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, sharply criticising AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami for refusing to reinstate expelled members and contributing to the party's electoral setbacks. Dhinakaran's remarks, made while speaking to reporters in Thanjavur, come nearly two weeks after AMMK announced its exit on September 3, citing failed unity efforts and perceived betrayal within the alliance. The move follows the AIADMK's revival of ties with the BJP on April 11, 2025, aimed at challenging the ruling DMK in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Dhinakaran emphasised that AMMK joined the NDA in 2021 when AIADMK was not part of it, primarily to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's re-election in 2024. Despite AIADMK's entry into the alliance, AMMK remained for about four months, hoping for positive developments and feedback from well-wishers. However, he questioned the feasibility of continuing alongside Palaniswami, stating, "How could we accept Palaniswami? Can AMMK accept it?" He accused Palaniswami's leadership of causing AIADMK's defeat in the 2021 Assembly elections, attributing losses in at least 29 constituencies to AMMK's independent contesting and the expulsion of leaders like former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS). Dhinakaran highlighted that Palaniswami's refusal to reintegrate dissidents, including those from the 2017 episode where 18 MLAs supported him against Palaniswami's continuation as Chief Minister, has weakened the party and indirectly benefited the DMK.

The AMMK leader further noted that Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's recent comment praising Palaniswami's continuation as AIADMK chief—suggesting it would ease DMK's path—perfectly captures the situation. "The reason for all the problems is Palaniswami," Dhinakaran asserted, recalling that in 2017, the 18 supportive MLAs did not oppose the AIADMK government but merely lost confidence in Palaniswami's leadership. This internal rift traces back to post-Jayalalithaa factionalism, where Dhinakaran, nephew of the late J. Sasikala, formed AMMK in 2018 after his expulsion from AIADMK. The NDA exit, following OPS's departure on July 31, 2025, signals deepening cracks in the anti-DMK front, potentially impacting BJP's strategy in southern Tamil Nadu ahead of 2026 polls.

Also Read: Palaniswami Heads To Delhi Amid AIADMK Unity Talks, May Meet Amit Shah

On September 15, Palaniswami firmly ruled out reinstating expelled leaders like OPS, referring to the 2017 MLA abduction attempt to topple the AIADMK government—a veiled attack on Dhinakaran. "You abducted 18 of our party MLAs to topple the AIADMK government. Who will accept this?" Palaniswami questioned, underscoring the irreconcilable divide. Despite the fallout, Dhinakaran indicated AMMK's first preference remains the NDA, but only if reforms occur, such as not projecting Palaniswami as the chief ministerial face. He hinted at exploring other alliances, possibly with actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), adding to the fluid political landscape in Tamil Nadu as parties manoeuvre for the 2026 elections.

Also Read: Stalin, Leaders Pay Tributes To Perarignar Anna On Birth Anniversary