2026 TN elections | TTV rewards loyalists, stays away from poll fray; Tamil pitch in manifesto

CHENNAI: AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran on Saturday unveiled the party's candidates for 11 constituencies allotted under the NDA, betting on experienced leaders and long-time loyalists in his bid to consolidate its traditional Mukkkulathor caste support base.

Staying out of the electoral fray himself, Dhinakaran has fielded a mix of veterans, including two former Ministers and three among the 18 MLAs disqualified during the 2017 political war between OPS and EPS over capturing power. The move is seen as an attempt to prioritise familiarity and loyalty over new entrants.

Former Ministers C Shanmugavelu (Madathukulam) and G Senthamizhan (Saidapet), both from the 2011 Jayalalithaa Cabinet, figure in the list. Tickets have also been allotted to former MLAs K Kathirkamu (Theni), R Sundararaj (Ottapidaram), and TA Elumalai (Poonamallee), who remained with Dhinakaran after their disqualification.

However, the party's focus remains on the Delta and southern regions, where it retains organisational strength and support base.

AMMK is also contesting three reserved constituencies — Periyakulam, Ottapidaram and Poonamallee — as part of the NDA’s outreach.

With Dhinakaran opting to concentrate on statewide campaigning, the onus is now on these candidates to reassert the party’s relevance in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.

Meanwhile, Dhinakaran released the party's election manifesto, which focused on demands for a caste survey, Tamil in courts, and the Supreme Court branch in Tamil Nadu, among others.

Manifesto: Thrust on Social Justice and Regional Identity

• Proposal for a caste census

• Assurance that the existing 69% reservation policy will not be affected

• Expansion of the protected agricultural zone to enhance jobs and employment

• At least 85% jobs in both the government and private sectors are to be reserved for Tamils

• Tamil to be made the functional language in courts, central government offices and banks within the State

• Establishment of a Supreme Court Bench in Tamil Nadu

• Complete waiver of farm loans from nationalised and cooperative banks

• Rs 3,000 per tonne MSP for paddy

• Rs 4,000 per tonne MSP for sugarcane

• Crop loss compensation within 30 days

• Promotion of Tamil internationally through academic chairs abroad

• Demand for Bharat Ratna for Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar and J Jayalalithaa

• Proposal to name Madurai airport after Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar