In a significant political development, AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran has expressed strong confidence that the political alliance his party ultimately joins will secure a win in the forthcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Speaking to the press in Thanjavur on Monday, the leader set a clear timeline for announcing the alliance decision.
Confident Prediction Amid Multi-Cornered Contest
The final decision regarding AMMK's electoral partnership will be made public on February 23, Dhinakaran revealed. He asserted that the alliance which includes his AMMK is poised for certain victory. The leader clarified that this statement was not born out of overconfidence but from a clear understanding of the state's political landscape. "This is not mere overconfidence. I say this fully aware of the prevailing four-cornered contest in the state's politics," Dhinakaran told reporters.
Call for Unity Among Jayalalithaa's Supporters
Dhinakaran reiterated his longstanding appeal for unity among the supporters of the late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. He emphasized that his call was for 'Amma's' workers to unite under a single front, which does not necessarily have to be a single party. Quoting Jayalalithaa, he stated, "As Amma herself emphasised, only a united front can win this election." He further claimed that no other political front has the capacity to win the upcoming polls, trusting that the people will deliver the correct verdict.
The AMMK leader stressed that his final decision would be in alignment with the wishes of the loyal party workers and executives who have stood by him through eight challenging years. This statement underscores his commitment to his cadre's perspective in shaping the party's strategy.
Dismissing NDA Return Speculation
Addressing swirling speculation about a potential return to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which AMMK exited earlier this year, Dhinakaran dismissed comments made by Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran. Nagendran had suggested that parties which had left the NDA might consider returning. "That is his personal opinion," Dhinakaran responded, making it clear that his decision would be based solely on the views of his party cadre. He indicated that AMMK's definitive position on alliances would become clear within the next month and a half.
In a separate but notable comment, Dhinakaran also voiced his disapproval of demands to change the court judge in the ongoing Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam controversy. He labeled such demands as unacceptable, adding a broader message of social harmony. "No one should divide people in the name of god, religion, or caste," he said. "Our aim is to preserve Tamil Nadu's unity, where people live like one family in brotherhood."
With the election atmosphere intensifying, Dhinakaran's announcements from Thanjavur mark a crucial moment in shaping the pre-poll alliances in Tamil Nadu. All eyes will now be on the February 23 declaration, which is expected to significantly influence the state's political dynamics.
