AMMK Back in NDA Fold as Opposition Unity Push Gathers Pace in TN
The TTV Dhinakaran-led Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) on Wednesday formally rejoined the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, months after quitting the bloc amid allegations of betrayal, signalling renewed efforts to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
AMMK founder-leader and former MP TTV Dhinakaran met senior BJP leader and Union Minister Piyush Goyal , following which the party’s return to the NDA was announced. The AIADMK, headed by former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) , continues to lead the NDA in the state.
Welcoming Dhinakaran back into the alliance, Palaniswami said the NDA was uniting to defeat what he described as the DMK’s “dynastic and authoritarian rule” and to restore the governance legacy of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa .
“With the welfare of the people as our objective, let us all unite to save Tamil Nadu and retrieve it from the DMK’s family rule,” EPS said in a post on X.
Why AMMK Left NDA in 2025:
The AMMK had walked out of the NDA in September 2025 , with Dhinakaran accusing alliance partners of “betrayal.” While he did not name any party, AMMK leaders had expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of clarity on seat-sharing arrangements , inadequate consultation in alliance decision-making, and what they described as marginalisation within the NDA framework.
The split was seen as a setback to opposition unity at a time when the ruling DMK was consolidating its organisational and electoral strength.
What Changed Now:
Political sources said renewed backchannel talks, facilitated by the BJP’s central leadership, helped bridge differences. With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, the NDA leadership is keen to prevent fragmentation of anti-DMK votes and project a broad-based alliance. Assurances of a respectable seat-sharing deal , early finalisation of constituencies, and a defined campaign role for AMMK are believed to have paved the way for Dhinakaran’s return.
The AMMK’s re-entry also follows the induction of the Dr Anbumani Ramadoss-led faction of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) into the NDA on January 7 , strengthening the alliance’s social and regional outreach.
Seat-Sharing and Alliance Signals:
While no formal seat-sharing numbers have been announced, alliance sources indicated that discussions would begin shortly. AMMK is understood to be seeking seats in select southern and delta districts where it claims residual influence among cadres aligned with the Jayalalithaa–Sasikala legacy.
BJP leaders welcomed the development, stating that the NDA in Tamil Nadu was expanding into a “united and credible alternative” to the ruling DMK. PMK leaders also echoed the need for opposition unity to challenge the DMK in the upcoming polls.
AMMK’s Current Strength:
Though the AMMK does not hold seats in the current Assembly, the party retains a pocketed vote base in several constituencies and is viewed as a potential vote-splitter in closely contested seats. Political observers say its inclusion could help consolidate anti-DMK votes, particularly if alliance coordination improves on the ground.
Dhinakaran Responds:
When asked about leadership aspirations and the NDA’s chief ministerial face, Dhinakaran dismissed speculation.
“When the NDA has already declared Edappadi Palaniswami as its Chief Ministerial candidate, why keep asking me this question?” he told reporters.
Alliance Timeline 2017:
Dhinakaran and his aunt V K Sasikala expelled from AIADMK following Jayalalithaa’s death. 2019: AMMK contests elections independently. 2024–25: AMMK aligns with NDA, exits in September 2025. January 7, 2026: PMK (Anbumani Ramadoss faction) joins NDA. January 21, 2026: AMMK formally re-enters NDA.
With alliance negotiations intensifying and opposition consolidation gaining momentum, Tamil Nadu’s political landscape is set for heightened activity as the 2026 Assembly elections draw closer.