BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy dismissed concerns over Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran’s exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, asserting that all parties opposed to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) will unite under the NDA’s banner for the 2026 Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Thirupathy minimized the impact of Dhinakaran’s departure, announced on September 3, calling it a routine difference among allies and insisting that “this is not a break-up or end” of the alliance.
Dhinakaran’s exit follows former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam’s decision to leave the NDA, marking a second blow to the alliance, which is led by the Edappadi K. Palaniswami-headed All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The NDA’s thinning ranks come despite its recent reaffirmation of ties with AIADMK and the naming of Palaniswami as the Chief Ministerial candidate. Addressing Dhinakaran’s accusation of “betrayal” in his efforts to unify factions loyal to late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, Thirupathy clarified, “He didn’t mean the BJP, so I need not comment,” redirecting focus to the broader goal of ousting the DMK.
Thirupathy expressed confidence in consolidating anti-DMK forces, stating, “All political parties driven by a common desire to dislodge the DMK will unite under the NDA.” He also addressed speculation about former BJP state chief K. Annamalai’s absence from a September 3 meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, denying any rift with the party leadership. “Annamalai clarified he had prior engagements. There’s nothing more to add,” he said, quashing rumors of internal discord.
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With the 2026 elections looming, the NDA faces challenges as allies like Premalatha Vijayakanth of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) have indicated they will announce their alliance stance closer to the polls. Despite these setbacks, the BJP remains optimistic about rallying opposition forces to challenge the DMK’s dominance in Tamil Nadu’s volatile political landscape.
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