CHENNAI: Following Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary TTV Dhinakaran’s decision to rejoin the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), questions have been raised over whether smooth coordination will be possible among alliance cadres on the ground, after acidic remarks shared by the two leaders.
Despite the public exchange of courtesies, doubts remain among cadres of both parties due to the long-standing rivalry between the two leaders. Political observers noted that Dhinakaran’s earlier opposition to Palaniswami as the CM face of the tie-up could pose challenges at the grassroots level during the elections.
The AMMK’s entry into the NDA is expected to benefit the AIADMK electorally, particularly in southern Tamil Nadu. However, questions remain over whether cooperation will be fully reciprocated in constituencies where the AMMK is likely to contest or whether Dhinakaran's party would benefit on the whole.
Reacting to the development, former MLA and Dhinakaran supporter RR Murugan said party cadres were enthusiastic about joining the NDA and were ready to campaign jointly with the AIADMK.
He expressed confidence that AIADMK workers would extend full cooperation to AMMK candidates and said Palaniswami would campaign for AMMK candidates, while Dhinakaran would campaign for the AIADMK.
But questions remain, as Dhinakaran was part of the NDA during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but later exited the alliance after refusing to accept AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the Assembly elections. At the time, he had publicly stated that his primary political objective was to defeat Palaniswami, whom he described as a betrayer.
The sudden turnaround, Dhinakaran met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, shortly after Palaniswami held discussions with the BJP master strategist. Sources said Shah asked Dhinakaran to rejoin the NDA, following which the AMMK formally announced its return to the AIADMK-led alliance.
Welcoming the move, Palaniswami posted a message on X expressing support for Dhinakaran’s entry into the NDA. Dhinakaran, in turn, thanked him for the message.