Post by : Rameen Ariff

Chennai, September 25, 2025: TTV Dhinakaran, leader of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), has firmly ruled out returning to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as long as Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) is the Chief Ministerial candidate in Tamil Nadu. This decision marks a major setback for the BJP’s attempts to consolidate AIADMK factions ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

BJP Efforts Hit Roadblocks

The BJP has been actively trying to bring Dhinakaran back into the NDA fold. Senior party leaders and intermediaries from Delhi have reportedly met him multiple times to negotiate his return. K Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP president, reportedly urged Dhinakaran to reconsider and highlighted the benefits of a united NDA in Tamil Nadu.

However, Dhinakaran has made it clear that he will not rejoin the NDA as long as EPS remains the CM candidate. “As long as Palaniswami is in the race for Chief Minister, there is no chance of my return to NDA,” Dhinakaran told sources. He also emphasized that his party will work specifically against EPS, accusing him of betraying the trust of AIADMK supporters and the Amma legacy.

Dhinakaran Rejects Delhi Mediation

Reports suggest that senior leaders from the BJP tried to mediate between Dhinakaran and the AIADMK leadership in Delhi. However, Dhinakaran refused to engage in any formal discussions, stating that he will not compromise on his stance. “I will not accept any proposal that keeps EPS as the CM candidate. My focus remains on protecting Amma’s legacy and opposing EPS’s leadership,” he said.

Political observers note that Dhinakaran’s refusal significantly affects BJP’s strategy in Tamil Nadu. The party had planned to present a united front with AIADMK factions, including those loyal to OPS and Dhinakaran, to challenge DMK in the assembly elections. With Dhinakaran remaining outside the NDA, the alliance faces an uphill battle to consolidate support.

OPS Also Hesitant

Former AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) also continues to stay away from joining the NDA while EPS holds sway over AIADMK. OPS has indicated that he might reconsider joining only if senior leaders from AIADMK extend a direct invitation. Political analysts believe that both Dhinakaran and OPS’s reluctance highlights internal divisions within the AIADMK that the BJP must navigate carefully.

AIADMK Factions and Tamil Nadu Politics

EPS currently controls the AIADMK and is seen as the central figure in the party. His leadership has created a clear line between the EPS faction and other splinter groups, including AMMK led by Dhinakaran. With the assembly elections approaching, these divisions could impact vote shares and the NDA’s overall performance in the state.

Other regional parties allied with the NDA, such as PMK and DMDK, are also divided. Some members are resentful of BJP’s approach, while others are aligned with the EPS faction. This fragmented support makes it difficult for BJP to present a cohesive electoral strategy in Tamil Nadu.

Political Analysts’ View

Experts believe that the BJP may have underestimated EPS’s influence within AIADMK. While the NDA hoped to use Dhinakaran and OPS to strengthen its position, the refusal from both leaders means that the BJP may have to rely primarily on EPS and other smaller allies to maintain its foothold.

Analysts also point out that Dhinakaran’s opposition to EPS could lead to a split in votes, potentially benefiting DMK in the assembly elections. A united NDA without internal conflicts would have presented a stronger challenge to DMK, but current circumstances suggest a complex and competitive electoral battle.

TTV Dhinakaran’s decision to stay away from NDA as long as EPS is the CM candidate has added a layer of complexity to Tamil Nadu’s political scenario. With internal divisions within AIADMK and fractured alliances, BJP faces significant challenges in consolidating support for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

As the elections approach, political observers will closely watch whether BJP can negotiate a compromise with Dhinakaran or if the AMMK will continue to oppose EPS, potentially shaping the outcome of the state elections.