CHENNAI: In a significant political development that has disrupted the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) configuration in Tamil Nadu, TTV Dhinakaran’s Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) announced its withdrawal from the alliance on Wednesday. The decision, declared by Dhinakaran after a event at the Kattumannarkoil temple in Cuddalore district, marks the second major exit from the NDA in recent weeks, following the departure of former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam’s faction. The move deals a considerable blow to the BJP and AIADMK’s efforts to present a united opposition front ahead of next year’s assembly elections.
Dhinakaran explicitly stated, “AMMK is not a part of the National Democratic Alliance. It is leaving it,” adding that his party would announce its own alliance strategy in December. He also claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s alleged plan to merge factions within the AIADMK had failed. The announcement contradicts recent assertions by BJP state president K. Nainar Nagendran, who had affirmed that the AMMK remained a steadfast ally. This exit underscores the growing instability within the NDA in Tamil Nadu and raises questions about the cohesion of the opposition bloc as election preparations intensify.
Political Motivations and Implications for Upcoming Elections
The withdrawal follows visible signs of discontent within the AMMK regarding its role and recognition within the NDA. Dhinakaran had recently expressed frustration in a press conference, directing reporters to question Nagendran about the AMMK’s status within the alliance—a remark widely interpreted as signalling dissatisfaction with the BJP’s handling of its allies. The decision to exit is seen as a strategic move by Dhinakaran to reposition his party independently ahead of the polls, possibly seeking alternative partnerships or aiming to consolidate anti-incumbency votes.
The exit of the AMMK—coming close on the heels of O. Panneerselvam’s departure—leaves the BJP increasingly reliant on its principal ally, the Edappadi K. Palaniswami-led AIADMK. However, the repeated erosion of its coalition partners weakens the NDA’s bargaining power and organizational reach in the state. With Dhinakaran pledging to unveil a new political strategy in December, all eyes are now on whether the AMMK will opt to go it alone or explore alliances with other regional or national parties. This realignment could significantly influence the electoral calculus in what is expected to be a highly contested assembly election next year.