TN polls: DMDK keeps alliance options open as AMMK re-enters NDA

As alliance dynamics take shape ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) on Saturday said it was in no hurry to announce its political alignment, while the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) asserted that it had rejoined the NDA voluntarily to unseat the ruling DMK.

DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth said there was “enough time” for elections and dismissed speculation over delays in alliance formation. Blaming the media for undue eagerness, she said the party would take a decision at the appropriate time. “The Election Commission has not announced the poll dates, nor have parties announced candidates. Only the press is eager to know about alliances,” she told reporters.

Describing DMDK “like a child”, Premalatha said she would act responsibly and announce the party’s decision at the right time. Asked about the NDA launching its election campaign in the state, she noted that the alliance was yet to be finalised and that more parties were expected to join it. She also expressed hope that a new political party would form the next government and provide good governance in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran on Friday said his party had “wholeheartedly” joined the NDA and rejected claims that it had done so under coercion. Addressing the NDA’s maiden rally at Maduranthakam alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dhinakaran said the decision was taken to defeat the DMK, which he described as a common political adversary.

“We set aside our differences and joined the NDA to ensure the AIADMK-led alliance defeats the DMK and restores the rule of Amma,” he said, referring to former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. He also signalled reconciliation with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, referring to him as a “respected leader” and “elder brother”.

Dhinakaran, who floated the AMMK in 2018 after his expulsion from the AIADMK, shared the public platform with Palaniswami for the first time at the rally. He had rejoined the NDA on January 21 after earlier quitting the alliance, following the BJP’s decision to back Palaniswami as the NDA leader in Tamil Nadu.

With AMMK formally back in the NDA and DMDK keeping its options open, alliance negotiations in the state are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.