In a firm statement that clarifies the political landscape in Tamil Nadu, the state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Nainar Nagenthran, has ruled out any possibility of welcoming AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran back into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold. The declaration was made on Tuesday in Madurai, effectively shutting down speculation about a reunion.
BJP's Clear Stance on Alliance Dynamics
Nagenthran was interacting with journalists after his meeting with the Madurai Adheenam. He responded pointedly to questions regarding Dhinakaran's recent remarks about having no communication with the BJP about rejoining the NDA. The BJP leader stated that the question of inviting Dhinakaran back does not arise because the AMMK chief had voluntarily walked out of the alliance himself.
When reporters pressed him on the exits of former chief minister O Panneerselvam and Dhinakaran from the NDA, Nagenthran provided a nuanced clarification. He pointed out that Dhinakaran was not part of their alliance during the crucial 2021 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, drawing a clear line about the timeline of their association.
Leadership Question Settled: EPS to Lead
Addressing another simmering controversy within the opposition front, Nagenthran dismissed talks of a change in the alliance leadership. This query was prompted by several leaders leaving the NDA, citing their refusal to accept Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) as the leader. Nagenthran unequivocally stated that the government would be formed under the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami, reinforcing the AIADMK faction leader's position as the NDA's face in the state.
Dhinakaran's Counter-Narrative and Loyalty Defense
Meanwhile, from his side, T T V Dhinakaran also addressed the media on Tuesday. He confirmed that while some BJP leaders maintain cordial relations with him and speak occasionally, no formal approach has been made by the party to seek his return to the NDA.
In a related development, Dhinakaran sprang to the defense of former AIADMK strongman K A Sengottaiyan. Sengottaiyan recently made headlines for sporting a picture of the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa on his shirt pocket. Dhinakaran interpreted this gesture as a display of 'true loyalty' to the departed leader. He further claimed that Sengottaiyan would 'teach EPS a lesson' for allegedly betraying the loyalists of the party, highlighting the ongoing internal rift within the AIADMK legacy groups.
The exchange of statements sets a clear boundary for the upcoming political maneuvers in Tamil Nadu, with the BJP solidifying its current alliance structure and Dhinakaran positioning himself as a defender of Jayalalithaa's legacy against the present AIADMK leadership.
