AMMK Joins NDA, Boosting Opposition Unity Ahead of Tamil Nadu Polls

Chennai, Jan 2026 : The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu received a major political boost on Wednesday with the formal induction of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) into the alliance. The party, led by its General Secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran, officially joined the NDA in a move that is being seen as a significant step toward consolidating the Opposition ahead of the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The announcement followed a high-level meeting and a joint press interaction held in Chennai in the presence of Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who also serves as the BJP’s in-charge for election coordination in the State. The event marked a renewed effort by the NDA to expand its base and strengthen organisational unity against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

Soon after the development was made public, AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami extended a warm welcome to Dhinakaran. In a message posted on his official X handle, Palaniswami greeted the AMMK leader and expressed optimism over the alliance’s expanded strength. The public gesture was widely interpreted as a signal of reconciliation and cohesion within the NDA, setting aside past political differences for a larger common goal.

Addressing the media, Piyush Goyal said the NDA was coming together with renewed determination to defeat what he termed the “corrupt and anti-people” DMK government in Tamil Nadu. He asserted that senior alliance leaders, including Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss and Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) President G.K. Vasan, were united in their resolve to offer a credible and people-centric alternative to the current regime.

“The DMK alliance has betrayed the trust of the people of Tamil Nadu and undermined the State’s culture and values. The NDA is uniting like one family to end this misrule. Allegations of corruption involving Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and his family will be brought before the people,” Goyal said, outlining the alliance’s aggressive political pitch.

Speaking on the occasion, T.T.V. Dhinakaran said he was pleased to rejoin the NDA and contribute to strengthening the alliance in the State. He noted that the decision was taken after careful consideration and with a focus on the larger political objective.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, we have decided to once again be part of the NDA. Putting aside past differences and struggles, our single aim is to remove the DMK government, which has deceived the people of Tamil Nadu,” Dhinakaran said.

Political observers believe that AMMK’s entry into the NDA could help consolidate anti-DMK votes and project a more united Opposition front. With joint messaging, coordinated campaigning and public endorsements expected to intensify in the coming months, the NDA appears keen to build momentum and present itself as a strong, unified challenger as the electoral contest in Tamil Nadu gathers pace.