CHENNAI: The delay in finalising the alliance has begun to weigh on the morale of cadre within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, with preparations for the general elections entering a crucial phase just four months ahead of polling.
The cadre are upset, as they know very well that a strong, sizeable alliance is a key advantage in any election, infusing fresh energy and ensuring sustained field-level mobilisation. While the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is projecting confidence, backed by a robust alliance and speculation over possible new entrants, the AIADMK-led NDA continues to await clarity from potential partners.
The NDA leadership is closely tracking the stance of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), all of which have yet to spell out their alliance plans clearly. Though it is widely believed that these parties may eventually align with the NDA, the lack of formal announcements has slowed grassroots-level election work. With only a few months left, cadres of existing NDA partners are struggling to maintain momentum.
The PMK, which has a strong base in the northern districts, is currently grappling with an internal power tussle between party founder S Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss. Leaders of both the AIADMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are said to be trying to pacify the father-son duo, but seat-sharing talks are not the priority for the troubled Vanniyar party.
Ramadoss has convened the PMK general council and executive committee meetings on December 29 in Salem, which is expected to provide some indication of the party’s direction.
The DMDK, which maintained cordial relations with both the AIADMK and the BJP and contested the 2024 parliamentary elections as part of the NDA, has said it will announce its alliance decision on January 9 at its Cuddalore conference. However, reports suggesting parallel talks with the DMK have created uncertainty among NDA cadres.
Similarly, the AMMK led by TTV Dhinakaran, which quit the NDA earlier after refusing to accept Edappadi K Palaniswami as the chief ministerial candidate, has remained hesitant to rejoin the front despite repeated appeals from the BJP.
Speaking to DT Next, BJP State secretary A Ashvathaman said election-related activities would gain pace only after Pongal. He maintained that the AIADMK and BJP were strong enough to face the elections on their own, while adding that talks with like-minded parties were continuing.