No warmth for EPS, no TVK call: Dhinakaran in political limbo

CHENNAI: AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran finds himself at a political crossroads, with confusion prevailing over his party's alliance for the upcoming Assembly elections, blocking him from any further movement on finding nominees for the 2026 polls or rejoining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after making it clear that he won't accept AIADMK chief Edappadi Palaniswami as the Chief Minister candidate.

While it was widely anticipated that AMMK would forge a tie-up with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by actor Vijay, no formal invitation has been extended from that quarter. Despite Dhinakaran frequently praising Vijay, the lack of any credible action on that front has left the former AIADMK leader's party in limbo.

Even though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is keen to bring him back into the NDA fold, as part of what is perceived as an assignment handed over to the saffron party's former state president, Annamalai, Dhinakaran's stand against Palaniswami is coming in the way. Media reports suggest that Dhinakaran was invited to rejoin the NDA during a dinner meeting at Annamalai's residence in Coimbatore. However, Dhinakaran remains steadfast in his opposition to Palaniswami, whom he blames for his expulsion from the AIADMK, and says he cannot accept Palaniswami as the CM face.

In a parallel move, feelers were reportedly sent from Dhinakaran's camp to the ruling DMK for a possible alliance. However, sources indicate the DMK has ruled out accommodating the AMMK, citing an already crowded coalition.

Confusion over AMMK's electoral alliance has pushed the search for poll nominees to the back burner. Dhinakaran had earlier indicated that a final decision on an alliance would be made by December or January.