T.T.V. Dhinakaran, leader of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), has rejoined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, just months after exiting the bloc over differences with AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
Dhinakaran’s return to the NDA, which includes the BJP, AIADMK, and other regional parties, comes just months before the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, in which the alliance aims to wrest power from the ruling DMK.
Speaking at a press conference in Chennai on Tuesday, Dhinakaran emphasised that past disagreements should not hinder the party’s broader goals. He called for internal disputes to be resolved for the greater welfare of Tamil Nadu.
“Old differences should not overshadow the party’s interests or the welfare of Tamil Nadu. Making compromises for the common good does not weaken us,” Dhinakaran said.
He added, “As Amma’s cadres, who serve as a unifying force, we will come together as one to ensure that Amma’s rule returns to Tamil Nadu, that people's governance is restored, and that good governance prevails. That is our clear stance.”
VIDEO | Chennai: AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran joins NDA.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 21, 2026
Addressing a press conference, he says, "There is nothing in having a compromise. This is a new beginning, and we will strive to form a new governance in Tamil Nadu. We are starting towards that. I would like to say just a… pic.twitter.com/3KH1CUEtUu
Later, Dhinakaran met Union Minister and BJP Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal to discuss the upcoming electoral strategy.
AMMK had initially contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as part of the NDA but had parted ways with the alliance in September due to opposition to Palaniswami’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the NDA’s campaign for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections from Maduranthakam, near Chennai, on January 23.
BJP legislative party leader Nainar Nagenthran confirmed that the Prime Minister would address a large public gathering in the afternoon to mark the beginning of the NDA's electoral battle against the incumbent DMK government.
