AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran has offered a nuanced perspective on the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) efforts to resolve differences among its alliance partners in Tamil Nadu, stating that such moves should not be interpreted as pressure or coercion.
Mediation, Not Coercion: Dhinakaran's Take on BJP's Role
Addressing the media in Tirupur on Sunday, Dhinakaran provided context to the BJP's actions. He pointed out that during both the 2021 and 2024 elections, the national party had consistently urged its alliance partners to remain united. "When a party has internal differences, how can it settle things by itself? A mediator is needed," Dhinakaran explained, framing the BJP's involvement as a necessary facilitative role rather than an imposition.
This clarification comes amid ongoing political realignments in the state, where the BJP is keen on presenting a formidable front against the ruling DMK. Dhinakaran's comments suggest an acknowledgment of the central leadership's attempts to foster cohesion among often-fractious regional allies.
The Unwavering Stance Against EPS as CM Face
However, Dhinakaran was unequivocal in reiterating a major precondition for any future alliance. He firmly stated that he would not join any coalition that names AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) as its chief ministerial candidate. This stance has been a consistent and significant hurdle in efforts to reunite factions of the original AIADMK, from which Dhinakaran's AMMK was born.
This condition draws a clear red line in the sand, indicating that while Dhinakaran is open to discussions and mediation, the leadership question remains non-negotiable for his party.
Timeline for Alliance Decision and Ongoing Talks
Dhinakaran revealed that the AMMK is currently engaged in alliance discussions with some parties that are themselves leading alliances. This hints at negotiations that could potentially reshape the opposition landscape in Tamil Nadu.
Regarding a final decision, he indicated that an announcement would likely be made around the time of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa's birthday in February. This timeline marks a slight shift from his statements over the past few weeks, where he had suggested clarity would emerge by December or January. The choice of Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary is symbolically significant, as all factions vie to claim her political legacy.
The political maneuvering sets the stage for a crucial period in Tamil Nadu's opposition politics, with mediation efforts, hard conditions, and symbolic timelines all playing a part in the complex dance of alliance formation.
