As political tides shift in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), led by TTV Dhinakaran, has officially exited the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This decision, announced on September 3, 2025, marks a significant development in the state's political landscape.

Dhinakaran cited "betrayal and arrogance" from the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) as key reasons for the departure, further stating that attempts by Union Minister Amit Shah to mediate a resolution had failed. He had expected all cadres of Amma (J Jayalalithaa) to unite, but that did not occur. He stated that his party was born in opposition to betrayal and could not continue alongside those it had once rejected.

Dhinakaran also accused the AIADMK leadership of deception. He felt that there was no chance of reform within the AIADMK. He said that the decision to leave the NDA was made after repeated delays and unmet expectations.

The exit of AMMK from the NDA follows closely on the heels of O Panneerselvam (OPS), another former AIADMK leader, who also recently left the alliance. Dhinakaran supported OPS, who left the NDA after "persistent neglect". Dhinakaran blamed BJP state president Nainar Nagendran's "arrogance" for OPS's exit, while praising Mr Nagendran's predecessor K Annamalai.

Dhinakaran praised former BJP state chief K Annamalai while accusing his successor Nainar Nagendran of “arrogance” and blaming him for pushing his party out of the NDA fold in Tamil Nadu. He also alleged that Nagendran deliberately glorified Edappadi Palanisamy to push AMMK out of the NDA.

Dhinakaran stated that the future of his party's return to the BJP-led front depends on a course correction within the AIADMK. He hinted that the removal of Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) would pave the way for reconciliation. He added that if the NDA wants AMMK back, they should do what is required.

Dhinakaran said that Annamalai was able to handle the alliance smoothly while Mr. Nagendran was not able to handle it with efficiency.

The AMMK's decision to leave the NDA is a setback for the BJP in Tamil Nadu, especially with the 2026 elections on the horizon. Dhinakaran's move highlights the complex dynamics within the state's political arena, where alliances are often fluid and subject to change.