No Talks, No Alliance: Palaniswami dismisses TVK-NDA speculation ahead of polls

Edappadi K Palaniswami , general secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), has firmly dismissed reports of a possible electoral tie-up with actor-politician Vijay ’s fledgling party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, describing such claims as unfounded media speculation .

Speaking at an interactive session hosted by media outlet ‘Chanakya’ on March 14, the Leader of the Opposition said there had been no contact or discussions whatsoever with TVK. “When no talks have taken place, the question of forming an alliance does not arise,” he said, urging the media not to create confusion by projecting a partnership that does not exist.

Palaniswami also rejected suggestions of a rift with K. Annamalai of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that relations within the alliance remain cordial. He pointed out that Annamalai and senior AIADMK leader S. P. Velumani is scheduled to jointly lead a protest demonstration in Coimbatore on March 17 , underscoring continued coordination between the two parties.

The AIADMK currently heads the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu. Palaniswami appealed to journalists to refrain from amplifying rumours about internal discord , saying such narratives were creating unnecessary tension.

On relations with T. T. V. Dhinakaran , leader of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), Palaniswami said both sides share a cordial understanding and would work together to secure victory in the polls. He acknowledged that minor differences had existed in the past but maintained that these issues had since been resolved. Dhinakaran, a former AIADMK figure who was expelled years ago, has recently moved closer to the party’s leadership.

Turning to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, the AIADMK chief criticised its decision to provide ₹5,000 financial assistance to beneficiaries, alleging the move was election-driven and reflected the ruling party’s anxiety about facing voters.

Reiterating remarks he made earlier in Tiruchirappalli, Palaniswami stressed that any genuine alliance discussions would be formally announced by the parties involved . “Imaginary scenarios cannot be treated as political reality,” he said, adding that AIADMK has held no parleys with TVK at any level.

With the election season approaching, the AIADMK leader’s remarks signal the party’s intent to consolidate its existing alliances while distancing itself from speculation about new political combinations.