'Internal Disputes Should Be Resolved': AMMK Chief TTV Dhinakaran Rejoins NDA Ahead Of Crucial Tamil Nadu Polls, Meets Piyush Goyal

New Delhi: Months ahead of the Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, TTV Dhinakaran, chief of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), and a former MP and a former MLA, rejoined the NDA alliance today. 

Putting internal differences behind, Dhinakaran said, “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.”

"Likewise, as Amma's cadres, who serve as a unifying force, we will come together as one and stand firmly to ensure that Amma's rule returns to Tamil Nadu, that people's governance is restored, and that good governance prevails. That is our clear stand," he added.

This follows his departure from the alliance several months ago, which he attributed to the "arrogance" of E. Palaniswami, the AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. 

Dhinakaran's move signals a strategic and well-planned return to the BJP-led coalition just before the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, highlighting the alliance's ongoing push to expand its influence in the region. 

Dhinakaran meets Goyal

Nephew of Sasikala, Dhinakaran's return to the NDA marks a significant political climbdown from his earlier stance, when he had publicly labelled Palaniswami a “traitor” and repeatedly ruled out working under his leadership.

Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister and BJP's election in-charge for Tamil Nadu, arrived in Chennai today and shortly after officially reconfirming his party's return to the NDA, Dhinakaran met with Goyal at his hotel, signaling a unified start to their 2026 Assembly election campaign.

Amit Shah's role?

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Dhinakaran’s party ran as a member of the NDA, a coalition including the BJP and the AIADMK. However, he broke ties with the group last September, largely because of his friction with Palaniswami’s leadership.

Recently, he met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, and the BJP veteran is learnt to have invited him to rejoin the NDA, as per media reports.

Rose during the Jayalalithaa era

As a long-standing figure in Tamil Nadu’s deeply divided political landscape, Dhinakaran gained prominence during Jayalalithaa’s tenure as a vital strategist. His influence was largely rooted in his family connection to V.K. Sasikala, the late Chief Minister’s closest associate.

Although his party, the AMMK, has found it difficult to turn its symbolic presence into consistent victories at the polls, Dhinakaran remains an influential figure who can sway outcomes by dividing the vote and continuing to assert himself as a rightful heir to Jayalalithaa’s political mantle.

Dhinakaran and O. Panneerselvam, both key figures ousted from the AIADMK, share a strong base within the influential Thevar community of southern Tamil Nadu. By bringing Dhinakaran back, the BJP intends to solidify its support among Thevar voters. However, with many of Panneerselvam’s top associates migrating to the DMK or TVK, it is currently uncertain if the BJP is pursuing his return as well.

Tamil Nadu polls

Tamil Nadu is scheduled to hold Assembly elections in the first half of 2026, and political activity in the state is intensifying as parties roll out their campaign strategies and manifestos. 

The NDA led by AIADMK and the BJP in Tamil Nadu will look to defeat the ruling DMK-Congress alliance. The election will feature a triangular contest after actor-turned-politician Vijay has launched his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and is eyeing the top spot.

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