Did the AIADMK-led NDA alliance make an error by taking the Dr S. Ramadoss–V.K. Sasikala alliance lightly? The 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly election was not a bipolar contest between the two Dravidian giants due to the presence of Seeman's Naam Tamilar Katchi and the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Then there was the electoral roll revision factor—meaning a few thousand votes could well determine the outcome in several constituencies. In such a scenario, the presence of an alliance with the capability to attract a few thousand votes in many seats solely to eat into its vote share posed a real threat to the AIADMK-led alliance, Tamil news reports are claiming.
Late Jayalalithaa’s aide V.K. Sasikala launched the All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AIPTMMK) and forged an alliance with the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) faction led by Dr S. Ramadoss. Sasikala has a score to settle with Edappadi K. Palaniswami himself, while Ramadoss Sr's fight is with his own son. It is obvious that their alliance has no realistic dream of winning any seats but instead wants to split the AIADMK’s votes and curtail their winning chances in as many constituencies as possible.
Sasikala hails from the Kallar community, a sect of the Mukkulathor community. The Kallars belong to the OBC category and form a major chunk of voters from Madurai to Tirunelveli. She is also trying to rally Thevar voters behind her as they are unhappy with Palaniswami, Dinamani said in a report.
Trying to make the most of the community's dissatisfaction with the AIADMK General Secretary, Sasikala fielded Jeevitha Rajasekar from Thirumangalam, Muniyandi (MLA Jeyapandian) from Usilampatti, Chellapandian from Andipatti, and Ikki Raja Thevar from Sattur—all influential Thevar figures in their respective regions. Over half of the constituencies that AIPTMMK is contesting have a significant Thevar presence, Dinamani claimed.
Similarly, Ramadoss has fielded candidates in 37 constituencies where the Vanniyar community is dominant. The emotional rhetoric of the senior leader against the "betrayal" he faced could well alienate a section of the Vanniyar votes. If that happens, the NDA alliance could face a setback in closely contested seats. The AIADMK's decision to distribute no "easy" seats to its allies has made things further complicated for the alliance.
Additionally, K. Krishnasamy of the Puthiya Tamilagam party has fielded candidates in around 61 constituencies in the western and southern districts. He too is campaigning against the AIADMK, particularly targeting Edappadi Palaniswami. Having held talks twice, Krishnasamy is reportedly disappointed that his party was not included in the AIADMK alliance. He has been sharply criticising Edappadi Palaniswami, even drawing comparisons with Jayalalithaa.
In the 2021 elections, it is noteworthy that in 25 constituencies, the margin of victory was less than 3,000 votes.
