"Politics is full of intrigue, conspiracies; decided not to contest": AMMK's TTV Dhinakaran rules out contesting TN polls

Addressing a press conference in Madurai, Dhinakaran said, "The leaders of our party from the Madurai and Tirunelveli regions have arrived, and discussions are underway with them on election strategies."

He elaborated on his relationship with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader K A Sengottaiyan, saying, "Sengottaiyan shares a brotherly relationship with me. Two days before joining the TVK, he personally informed me of his decision. He was keen that I should join the TVK alliance. I could not bring myself to turn him down and therefore told him, 'We will see.' Sengottaiyan was confident that I would eventually align myself with the TVK alliance."

Dhinakaran indicated that talks are underway with parties interested in joining the AMMK alliance. He stressed, "Politics is a field filled with intrigue and conspiracies. When it comes to power and governance, many issues tend to arise. To avoid such complications and to maintain healthy relationships, I decided not to contest in this election."

He clarified that he has no conditions for alliance negotiations, saying, "They approached us with the objective of bringing back Jayalalithaa's governance. With the approval of Edappadi K. Palaniswami, alliance talks were held with me."

On the participation of former AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam, Dhinakaran said, "Yesterday, through the media, I extended an invitation to O Panneerselvam. It is our wish that he should be with us for the return of Jayalalithaa's governance, but the decision ultimately rests with him."

Dhinakaran expressed disappointment with former All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) MLA R Vaithilingam's joining DMK.

"Vaithilingam believed that I would not go for an alliance with the AIADMK. However, I cannot enter into an alliance with the DMK. It is disappointing that former AIADMK minister Vaithilingam has joined the DMK," he added.

Dhinakaran also hinted at potential ministerial opportunities for AMMK supporters, adding, "I am not contesting the election, but it is my wish that those who are with me should become ministers. There is a possibility that they may give us such an opportunity. Somebody says there are several possibilities for coalition governments to be formed with me. If that is the case, we will approach the matter in a friendly manner, without exerting any pressure."

On January 21, Dhinakaran rejoined the National Democratic Alliance in Tamil Nadu almost four months after he quit it. Dhinakaran had left the NDA alliance in September 2025.

Tamil Nadu polls are due in the first half of this year, with the opposition NDA looking to defeat the DMK-led alliance. Actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is also seeking to throw out the DMK government. (ANI)