• Source:JND

Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections: Ahead of crucial assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, TTV Dhinakaran's Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) officially joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), making a comeback in the alliance. On Wednesday, Dhinakaran, who is the nephew of VK Sasikala, who was the closest aide of the late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, met Union Minister and BJP Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal in Chennai.

The development comes after the announcement that the AMMK would rejoin the NDA ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026.

ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu: LIC Woman Officer Allegedly Burnt Alive By Colleague In Madurai To Hide Claim Irregularities; Arrested

"With the larger objective in mind, we should not allow old issues to overshadow the party's interests, the welfare of Tamil Nadu, or push them aside. Making compromises for the common good does not weaken us," Dinakaran said while addressing the press conference in Chennai.

Political Strength Of AMMK In Tamil Nadu

A big chunk of voters shifted from the AIADMK after the death of Jayalalithaa to Dhinakaran's AMMK. In the Lok Sabha elections 2024, AMMK, in alliance with the NDA, contested on two seats - Theni and Tiruchirappalli, securing 3,93,415 votes overall.

ALSO READ: Kerala Sees Tamil Nadu-Like Tussle: Vijayan Govt Locks Horns With Governor For Omitting 'BJP Criticism' From Address

AMMK's Vote Bank In Tamil Nadu

Though, AMMK failed to win election, but it managed to get noticeable shoare of votes. In the Lok Sabha poll 2024, AMMK bagged 3,93,415 votes across two seats - Theni and Trichy. Dhinakaran secured 2,92,668 votes in the Theni constituency. He lost to the DMK candidate, Thanga Tamilselvan, but pushed AIADMK to third, signalling major shift in the constituency.

In the assembly polls 2021, AMMK gained 2.6 per cent vote share, with peaks like 20 per cent in Muthukulathor (Ramanathapuram) and 18 per cent in Melur (Madurai).

AMMK's Influence In South Tamil Nadu

AMMK has very good support base in the Backward Classes (OBC) sub-groups, mainly Kallars, Maravars, and Agamudayars in southern Tamil Nadu districts like Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, and parts of others. The party aims to consolidate Mukkulathor/Thevar votes, often by invoking the legacy of AIADMK's Jayalalithaa.

ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu Name Change To Skipped Speeches: List Of Clashes Between DMK Govt And Governor RN Ravi

Earlier in December, Dhinakaran claimed that his party is the decisive force in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, insisting that no alliance can form a government without his support.

"Without the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), no alliance can form a government. That is the situation prevailing in Tamil Nadu politics today," he said.

In September, the AMMK announced walking out of the BJP-led NDA coalition, protesting against "betrayal. After the AIADMK revived its alliance with the BJP in April, the AMMK continued to be with the NDA for about 4 months before finally deciding to snap ties.

(With Agencies inputs)


Also In News