In a major political realignment ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) chief TTV Dhinakaran has formally rejoined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), signalling a renewed attempt to consolidate anti-DMK forces in the state. The announcement was followed by a strategic meeting with Union Minister and BJP’s Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal in Chennai on January 21, 2026, marking the revival of a once-fractured alliance.

Dhinakaran’s return comes after overtures from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, underlining BJP’s push to expand its footprint in Tamil Nadu by leveraging influential regional leaders. Despite past friction with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), the alliance reflects pragmatic politics aimed at countering the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which currently dominates the state’s political landscape.

Speaking after the announcement, TTV Dhinakaran described the move as a “new beginning,” emphasising unity among followers of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. He stated that compromises were necessary to restore “Amma’s governance model” in Tamil Nadu and asserted that AMMK had chosen to move past betrayals in the interest of the state’s welfare. His remarks reinforced the narrative of ideological continuity rooted in Jayalalithaa’s legacy rather than political rivalry.

The alliance was publicly welcomed by AIADMK leader EPS, who said Dhinakaran’s induction into the NDA would help unite like-minded forces against what he termed the DMK’s “tyrannical and dynastic governance.” This thaw between former rivals signals a broader effort to prevent fragmentation of the opposition vote ahead of 2026.

Dhinakaran’s political relevance stems largely from his deep influence among Mukkulathor communities — Thevars, Maravars, and Agamudayars — concentrated in southern districts such as Theni, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, and Virudhunagar. These regions have historically acted as swing belts, where even small vote shifts can determine outcomes in multiple constituencies.

Electoral data underscores AMMK’s disruptive potential. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, AMMK, allied with NDA, contested Theni and Tiruchirappalli, polling 3,93,415 votes overall. Dhinakaran himself secured 2,92,668 votes (25.65%) in Theni, finishing second behind the DMK candidate and pushing AIADMK to third place. Though he lost by a wide margin, the performance reaffirmed his grip over Mukkulathor voters.

Historically, AMMK has demonstrated vote-gathering capacity without seat conversion. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the party polled over 21 lakh votes statewide (around 5.25%) but failed to win a single seat. Strong double-digit vote shares were recorded in Ramanathapuram, Theni, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, and Thoothukkudi, highlighting its concentrated regional strength.

Similarly, in the 2021 Assembly elections, AMMK contested 165 seats in alliance with DMDK and SDPI, polling nearly 10.9 lakh votes (2.35%), yet drawing a blank in seat tally. Constituencies like Muthukulathor (20%) and Melur (18%) showed the party’s capacity to significantly dent AIADMK’s base, indirectly benefiting the DMK.

Dhinakaran’s decisive 2017 RK Nagar by-poll victory, where he secured around 40 per cent votes, remains the strongest proof of his standalone appeal. However, defeats such as the Kovilpatti Assembly loss illustrate the persistent challenge of translating caste-based consolidation into electoral victories.

For the NDA, Dhinakaran’s return is less about seat-sharing arithmetic and more about vote consolidation. Political analysts estimate that AMMK can influence 10–15 per cent of votes in select southern pockets, potentially impacting 20–30 Assembly seats. In a tightly contested election, this swing could significantly improve NDA’s strike rate against the DMK.

With DMK-led INDIA alliance sweeping all 39 Lok Sabha seats in 2024, the pressure on the opposition to present a unified front is immense. The NDA’s gamble rests on whether Dhinakaran’s Thevar lineage, Jayalalithaa legacy appeal, and grassroots networks can prevent vote fragmentation and turn caste influence into winnable margins.

Going forward, Dhinakaran is expected to focus on organisational consolidation, holding meetings with district-level functionaries to reassure cadres about the alliance with EPS. While he may avoid contesting the Assembly himself, speculation remains about a possible Rajya Sabha nomination, allowing him to campaign statewide while shaping NDA’s southern strategy.

In essence, TTV Dhinakaran’s re-entry into NDA has re-drawn Tamil Nadu’s opposition landscape. Whether AMMK becomes a kingmaker or remains a spoiler will depend on how effectively the NDA harnesses Mukkulathor consolidation to challenge the DMK’s entrenched electoral machinery in Tamil Nadu’s high-stakes 2026 Assembly battle.

Join our Telegram Channel for Latest News and Regular Updates.

Start your Mutual Fund Journey  by Opening Free Account in Asset Plus.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.