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Political tensions between DMK and Congress have created uncertainty in Tamil Nadu’s opposition alliance, according to TTV Dhinakaran, General Secretary of Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazhagam (AMMK). Dhinakaran claims the opposition is falsely portraying instability within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to divert attention from their own coalition challenges.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Dhinakaran highlighted the contrast between the BJP-AIADMK partnership and what he described as ongoing disputes between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Congress in Tamil Nadu.
“We have joined the alliance led by the BJP at the national level, and in Tamil Nadu, we are aligned under the leadership of the AIADMK,” Dhinakaran said. “In contrast, there is still no clear agreement between the DMK and the Congress. It remains uncertain whether that alliance will even continue in Tamil Nadu.”
According to Dhinakaran, Congress is demanding 35 to 40 seats in the upcoming elections and is pushing to form a coalition government—terms the DMK has reportedly not accepted. He suggested these unresolved differences could threaten the future of their alliance.
The AMMK leader also addressed remarks made by former Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS), who was expelled from the AIADMK in 2022 following a leadership dispute with Edappadi K Palaniswami. Dhinakaran acknowledged OPS’s right to choose alliances but criticized him for invoking former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s name in political matters.
“The remarks he made in the Legislative Assembly, suggesting that Stalin of the DMK would return to power with the blessings of Puratchi Thalaivar and Amma, are unacceptable to me and to any of Jayalalithaa’s loyal supporters,” Dhinakaran stated firmly.
Political observers have noted growing speculation that OPS might align with the DMK ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. The day before Dhinakaran’s comments, OPS had paid floral tributes to Jayalalithaa at his residence in Theni district on her 78th birth anniversary, fueling further speculation about his political intentions.
Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran maintained a cautious stance on the matter, describing OPS’s potential alliance decisions as “entirely his personal choice.” Nagendran added, “I do not know why O Panneerselvam met MK Stalin. Whether he met him as a courtesy call or to discuss allying, I am not aware.”
The political maneuvering comes as Tamil Nadu prepares for the 2026 Assembly elections, which will determine the future of the 234-member legislative body. Current Chief Minister MK Stalin and his allies are expected to campaign on the achievements of their “Dravidian Model” of governance, while the BJP-AIADMK coalition will seek to present itself as a viable alternative.
The upcoming electoral battle is further complicated by the entry of actor-turned-politician Vijay, whose newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party is expected to create a three-way contest. Political analysts suggest Vijay’s popularity could significantly impact traditional voting patterns across the state.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) secured a decisive victory with 159 seats, including 133 for the DMK and 18 for Congress. The NDA managed 75 seats, with AIADMK winning 66 of those.
As political realignments continue in Tamil Nadu, the stability of alliances on both sides will likely remain a central theme in the lead-up to the 2026 elections, with parties jockeying for advantageous positions in seat-sharing arrangements and coalition structures.
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9 Comments
Interesting to see the political tensions playing out in Tamil Nadu. It’s important that all parties work together to maintain a stable and effective opposition. Voters deserve clear choices and transparent governance.
While I’m not familiar with the nuances of Tamil Nadu politics, it’s clear this is a contentious issue. I hope the parties involved can find a way to work constructively for the benefit of the people.
Agreed, the people of Tamil Nadu deserve a transparent and functional opposition that can effectively hold the government accountable.
This is a good reminder that political alliances can be fragile, even among parties that are typically aligned. I’ll be curious to see how this plays out and whether the DMK-Congress coalition holds together.
This seems like a complex situation with competing claims and agendas. I hope the DMK and Congress can find common ground and present a united front to the electorate. Voters need to see substantive policy discussions, not just political posturing.
Accusations of propaganda campaigns are serious. I’d encourage looking to authoritative and non-partisan sources to get a clearer picture of the situation before drawing conclusions.
That’s a good point. It’s important to critically evaluate claims from all sides and not jump to conclusions based on political rhetoric.
The AMMK leader’s perspective provides an interesting counterpoint, though I’d want to see more details before forming a firm opinion. It’s crucial that any propaganda or disinformation is called out, regardless of the source.
This news highlights the complex political dynamics in Tamil Nadu. I hope the various parties can find a way to work together constructively and give voters a clear sense of their policy platforms.