In a major shift for Tamil Nadu politics, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) chief TTV Dhinakaran met Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal in Chennai after formally announcing his party's re-entry into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Wednesday (January 21). This alliance revives a once-fractured partnership, positioning Dhinakaran's influence to consolidate Mukkulathor votes and challenge Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) dominance ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Strategic meeting seals NDA realignment
Fresh off declaring AMMK's NDA return, Dhinakaran huddled with Piyush Goyal to chart campaign tactics, following overtures from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The low-key Chennai sit-down underscores BJP's push to broaden its southern footprint, integrating AMMK despite past rifts with AIADMK's Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS).
A new beginning: Dhinakaran
TTV Dhinakaran said, "There is nothing in having a compromise. This is a new beginning, and we will strive to form a new governance in Tamil Nadu. We are starting towards that. I would like to say just a one thing, those who sacrifice have never gone down. As true followers of Amma (Jayalalithaa), we will all unite together and form governance."Dhinakaran added," We are happy to be back in the NDA alliance. Forgetting the past, we wanted to bring back Amma's government. To stop this government, we will form Amma's government. You all know who the NDA CM candidate is...for AMMK and Tamil Nadu's welfare, we have forgotten about all the betrayal...".
EPS welcomes Dhinakaran to NDA
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami welcomed Dhinakaran into the NDA, saying the move would help unite like-minded forces with a shared commitment to public welfare and collective efforts to liberate the people.
"In our mission to dismantle the tyrannical governance of the DMK and put an end to dynastic politics, while reviving the glorious governance model of our Honorable Leader Amma in Tamil Nadu, I wholeheartedly welcome the General Secretary of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, TTV Dhinakaran on his joining the National Democratic Alliance and convey my sincere greetings. Let us unite with a shared commitment to public welfare and work together to liberate," he said.
AMMK's impressive 2024 Lok Sabha show in Tamil Nadu
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, TTV Dhinakaran's Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), allied with the BJP-led NDA in Tamil Nadu, contested Theni and Tiruchirappalli seats, securing a solid 3,93,415 votes overall.
TTV Dhinakaran's strong Theni challenge
Dhinakaran personally contested from Theni, polling 2,92,668 votes for a competitive 25.65 per cent share, but fell short by 2,78,825 votes against DMK's Thanga Tamil Selvan. This performance highlighted AMMK's enduring appeal among Mukkulathor voters despite the loss.
TTV Dhinakaran's influence among Mukkulathor communities (Thevars, Maravars, Agamudayars) in southern districts like Theni, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, and Madurai gives AMMK leverage to sway 10-15 per cent of votes in key pockets. His NDA rejoining consolidates these votes for BJP-led alliances, potentially flipping 20-30 seats by denting AIADMK's traditional base.
Proven Mukkulathor pull from past polls
AMMK's track record shows strong caste appeal:
- 2024 Lok Sabha: 3,93,415 votes across Theni and Trichy; Dhinakaran's 2,92,668 votes (25.65 per cent) in Theni pushed AIADMK to third, signalling Thevar shift.
- 2021 Assembly polls: 2.6 per cent statewide share, with peaks like 20 per cent in Muthukulathor (Ramanathapuram) and 18 per cent in Melur (Madurai)- double-trouble for AIADMK in 40 southern seats.
- RK Nagar by-poll (2017): 40 per cent win proved his standalone clout.
AMMK's 2021 Assembly election performance: Votes but no seats
In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TTV Dhinakaran's Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) allied with Vijayakanth's Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), contesting 165 seats and polling 10,85,985 votes, a 2.35 per cent share, but failing to win any.
AMMK's strong 2019 Lok Sabha vote haul without wins
TTV Dhinakaran's AMMK racked up over 21 lakh votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, clinching a statewide share of about 5.25 per cent across Tamil Nadu but failing to secure any seats despite robust southern showings.
Standout performances in Mukkulathor heartlands
The party peaked at 13.36 per cent in Ramanathapuram, 12.26 per cent in Theni, and 11.33 per cent in Sivaganga, with double-digits also in Virudhunagar (10 per cent), Thanjavur (9.77 per cent), Tiruchirappalli (9.69 per cent), Tenkasi (8.73 per cent), and Thoothukkudi (7.75 per cent), highlighting its Thevar vote mobilisation.
Dhinakaran's defeat in Kovilpatti
AIADMK's Kadambur C Raju defeated Dhinakaran in Kovilpatti by 12,403 votes, underscoring AMMK's vote consolidation without conversion into seats despite widespread candidacy.
Why Dhinakaran's move shakes up Tamil Nadu politics?
Dhinakaran, scion of the influential Thevar clan, commands sway over Mukkulathor communities (Thevars, Maravars, Agamudayars) in southern districts like Theni, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram- key to unseating DMK's hold. His defection counters AIADMK's fragmentation, offering NDA a potent caste arithmetic weapon. Critics like EPS once branded him a rival, but recent thaws signal pragmatic unity against Stalin's regime.
Mukkulathor consolidation for 2026 victory
AMMK's NDA fold could sway 10-15 per cent of southern votes, critical in a state where DMK-led INDIA swept 2024 Lok Sabha polls (39/39 seats). In 2021 Assembly elections, AIADMK-BJP managed only 75 seats versus DMK's 133; Dhinakaran's 2021 RK Nagar bypoll win and 2024 Theni runner-up finish (3.6 lakh votes) prove his pull. Expect AMMK to contest 20-30 seats, splitting anti-DMK votes and boosting NDA's strike rate in Mukkulathor pockets.
Last poll data highlights the edge
- 2024 Lok Sabha: AMMK allied NDA contested Theni and Trichy; Dhinakaran polled 35 per cent in Theni, narrowing BJP's loss.
- 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls: AMMK independents grabbed 2.6 per cent statewide vote share; Dhinakaran's Kovilpatti bid fell short but dented AIADMK.
Dhinakaran's campaign blueprint
Post-meeting, Dhinakaran convenes district secretaries to quell cadre doubts over EPS ties, vowing to "restore Jayalalithaa's rule." Skipping personal contest, he may eye Rajya Sabha while amplifying anti-DMK rhetoric on corruption and dynasty. This NDA gambit reframes Tamil Nadu's bipolar contest, pitting a unified opposition against DMK's machine.