'Not Responsible': Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Calls For Unity As AMMK Quits NDA Ahead Of Polls

Last Updated:September 07, 2025, 18:28 IST

Dhinakaran earlier announced that his party would no longer be part of the BJP-led alliance in Tamil Nadu, citing repeated “betrayal” and failed efforts to reunite AIADMK factions

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran and TTV Dhinakaran, leader of the AMMK party | File Image

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Sunday distanced himself from Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) chief TTV Dhinakaran’s decision to pull out of the NDA, saying he cannot be blamed for the development.

Dhinakaran earlier announced that his party would no longer be part of the BJP-led alliance in Tamil Nadu, citing repeated “betrayal" and failed efforts to reunite AIADMK factions.

“Betrayal never wins. But we aimed to bring Amma’s (J Jayalalithaa) cadres together. When we discovered that there was no chance, AMMK decided to go its own way," he said.

Nagendran, however, insisted the decision was not his responsibility. He also signalled that he was open to holding talks with Dhinakaran.

“If those who share common views come together, the DMK will not be able to return to power. But Dhinakaran walked out of the alliance, and I cannot be held responsible for that. I am ready to approach them and hold talks for reconciliation," he said.

Calling for Opposition unity, the BJP leader added, “Those who believe that the DMK should not remain in power, and who truly hold affection for revolutionary leader MGR, must unite and drive the DMK out. I am ready to meet and hold direct talks with TTV Dhinakaran and O Panneerselvam. Everyone in the AIADMK should unite."

The row comes days after Dhinakaran had criticised Nagendran’s leadership, claiming the alliance was “handled properly" under former BJP state chief K. Annamalai.

“The BJP state president may have thought that our party is small. As long as Annamalai was the BJP state president, the alliance was handled properly. But Nainar Nagendran does not know how to handle the alliance properly," he had said at a press conference.

Even so, Dhinakaran clarified that demands from within the AMMK drove his party’s exit.

“Our decision to leave the alliance was not because of Nainar Nagendran, but because of our own cadres. It was due to the pressure from my cadres that I exited the alliance," he said.

The split marks a significant political shift ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

News politics 'Not Responsible': Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Calls For Unity As AMMK Quits NDA Ahead Of Polls

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