In a significant pre-election move, the AIADMK under general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has formalized a political alliance with the PMK faction led by Anbumani Ramadoss. This development comes as the party intensifies negotiations with former allies of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including the DMDK and Puthiya Tamilagam, ahead of the crucial Tamil Nadu assembly polls.
High-Stakes Negotiations and Delhi Meetings
Concurrently, Edappadi K Palaniswami is in the national capital to hold discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aiming to solidify the NDA's framework in the state. AIADMK sources have indicated that communication channels remain open with T T V Dhinakaran, the leader of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK). However, Dhinakaran himself dismissed these reports as speculative, telling TOI, "I don't want to comment on speculation."
With the ruling DMK and its partners already mobilizing their campaign machinery, there is a palpable sense of urgency within the AIADMK to swiftly conclude pacts with smaller parties and former partners. The BJP leadership is reportedly keen on consolidating the NDA by reintegrating expelled AIADMK leaders and breakaway groups, such as Dhinakaran and former chief minister O Panneerselvam, into the fold.
BJP's Unity Call and the Vijay Factor
This push for a united opposition front is seen as a direct counter to the formidable DMK alliance and the rising influence of a new political force—actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). A senior BJP leader emphasized the necessity of this consolidation, stating, "EPS has no choice but to take the expelled members into NDA. The writing on the wall is clear given the surge in (TVK chief) Vijay's popularity among various sections."
The leader further noted that Palaniswami has recently softened his criticism of T T V Dhinakaran, acknowledging that "every vote matters and the opposition should not split." When questioned about his future moves, Dhinakaran maintained a strategic ambiguity, asserting that any decision would be based on the interests of Tamil Nadu and his party. "I have no personal interest. At my party's general council meeting I made it clear there is no friend or foe or betrayer for my party at this juncture (election). That is my stand," he explained, adding that his course of action would depend on the evolving political situation.
Community Calculus and Familial Hurdles
AIADMK leaders privately acknowledge Dhinakaran's political acumen in successfully sustaining a party after the demise of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. Meanwhile, O Panneerselvam has been actively seeking re-entry into the AIADMK.
The alliance with the PMK faction is a calculated effort by the AIADMK to secure the support of the influential Vanniyar community, particularly in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu. However, efforts to unify the two main PMK factions led by founder S. Ramadoss and his son Anbumani Ramadoss hit a wall due to serious familial disputes. Despite senior Ramadoss's willingness to seal a deal with AIADMK first, the father-son duo remained firm in their decision not to join hands under a single banner.
PMK sources also revealed that a section within Ramadoss's camp favored an alliance with the DMK, and informal talks to this effect were conducted through senior leaders in the northern belt. As the election tempo rises, the race to stitch together a cohesive coalition against the DMK is becoming the central theme of Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
