Overview

• Announcing the move late Wednesday in Cuddalore district, T.T.V. Dhinakaran said AMMK is no longer part of the BJP-led bloc ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
• He accused the BJP and AIADMK leadership, particularly Edappadi K. Palaniswami, of sidelining his party and failing to reunite pro‑Amma factions, declaring his cadres would not serve as “palanquin bearers” for EPS.
• The exit follows O. Panneerselvam’s departure, making AMMK the second significant NDA ally to leave in recent weeks and deepening fractures in the anti‑DMK front.
• Analysts note the break weakens the alliance’s prospects in southern districts where AMMK and OPS retain localized strength, especially among segments of the Thevar vote.
• Dhinakaran said he joined the NDA unconditionally for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls but will now consult cadres before choosing partners in December, with possibilities discussed in coverage including a tie‑up with actor Vijay’s TVK or a solo run.