Overview

• T.T.V. Dhinakaran said AMMK is no longer in the BJP-led alliance in Tamil Nadu and will decide partners in December.
• He alleged betrayal and sidelining by the AIADMK under Edappadi K. Palaniswami and said Amit Shah’s reconciliation efforts failed.
• BJP state spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy played down the move, saying alliance contours will be known closer to the polls and expressing confidence of anti-DMK consolidation.
• O. Panneerselvam had already left the NDA, and analysts warn the exits could splinter the anti-DMK vote and open space for Vijay’s TVK.
• AIADMK veteran K.A. Sengottaiyan says he will ‘speak openly’ on September 5 after meeting V.K. Sasikala, a development that has prompted reports of possible unity calls within the party.