TN Assembly polls: TTV Dhinakaran opts out, says focus is restoring ‘Amma’ govt under NDA

With Tamil Nadu heading towards Assembly elections in the first half of 2026, T. T. V. Dhinakaran, General Secretary of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), has announced he will not contest.

His stated aim: to ensure the formation of an “Amma” government — referring to the style of administration under former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa — through a united National Democratic Alliance (NDA), “without any discord”.

AMMK and AIADMK ‘united wholeheartedly’

Addressing reporters on Tuesday, Dhinakaran said “99.9 per cent of Amma's supporters have united under the NDA alliance” to defeat the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which he termed an “anti-people regime”.

“Today, 99.9 per cent of Amma's supporters have united under the NDA alliance. We have come together as one to defeat the anti-people regime of the DMK, which we consider an evil force. Those who are currently staying away will definitely join the AIADMK alliance,” he said.

He added that the NDA has grown “significantly stronger” in the state, with partners working in unity.

On speculation over a reunion between AMMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), divided for nine years, Dhinakaran said: “Today, the truth is that both the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam have united wholeheartedly from the grassroots level to the top leadership with a common objective: to establish the rule of Puratchi Thalaivi Amma once again under the leadership of the NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.”

He said AMMK has joined the alliance led nationally by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while in Tamil Nadu it will function under AIADMK leadership.

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Swipe at DMK-Congress ties; seat talks pending

Dhinakaran claimed there was uncertainty in the DMK’s alliance with the Indian National Congress (Congress), alleging the Congress is demanding 35 to 40 seats and insisting on a coalition government — demands he said the DMK has not agreed to.

On NDA seat-sharing, he said discussions between the BJP and AIADMK would be finalised amicably.

“Seat allocation is the most crucial aspect of any alliance, and it must be concluded smoothly and harmoniously,” he said.

Explaining his decision not to contest, Dhinakaran said: “I am not contesting in the election because our sole objective is to establish Amma's government without giving room for even the smallest issue or misunderstanding and to ensure that no minor grievance or dissatisfaction arises among anyone.”

2026 contest takes shape

The 234-member Assembly will vote in the first half of 2026. The incumbent M. K. Stalin-led alliance is set to project ‘Dravidian Model 2.0’ against the BJP-AIADMK combine.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay has entered the fray with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), potentially turning the contest three-cornered.

In 2021, the DMK won 133 seats. Congress secured 18, PMK five, VCK four and others eight. The DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance won 159 seats in total.

The NDA won 75 seats, with the AIADMK emerging as the largest party in the alliance with 66 seats.