Explained: Why TTV Dhinakaran Chose NDA Over Thalapathy Vijay's TVK

After weeks of speculation about his next political move, AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran has formally joined the NDA alliance, triggering fresh debate over what prompted his sudden change of course. The development comes at a time when Dhinakaran had appeared poised to align with actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), raising questions about the factors that led him to step back from that path.

Until recently, Dhinakaran's statements strongly indicated that he was open only to alliances that guaranteed a share in power. He had publicly declared that AMMK MLAs would become ministers in the next government, a remark widely interpreted as confirmation that he had accepted a power-sharing arrangement with Vijay's party. This fuelled speculation that an AMMK-TVK alliance was imminent.

Speaking to reporters earlier, Dhinakaran had been categorical about his political conditions. "During elections, I won't see who is an enemy or a traitor. We will align with whoever works for the welfare of Tamil Nadu. But any alliance must be formed only after securing a respectable position and a share in power," he had said. He also asserted that AMMK members would definitely get ministerial berths and that he would not compromise on these demands.

However, neither the AIADMK nor the DMK was willing to offer a formal share in power, according to political sources. The Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam was reportedly the only party that had agreed in principle to such an arrangement, strengthening the belief that Dhinakaran would join hands with Vijay.

The political narrative shifted following what is described as a crucial phone call from Delhi. Around the same time, reports emerged suggesting that central investigative agencies were preparing to revive pending cases against Dhinakaran. These developments are said to have significantly altered his calculations.

One of the key cases involves allegations that Dhinakaran attempted to bribe ₹50 crore to secure the AIADMK's 'Two Leaves' election symbol. The Delhi Police registered the case earlier, and the investigation remains ongoing. In addition, pressure has reportedly intensified in an old foreign exchange violation case dating back to 1996, in which the Enforcement Directorate accused Dhinakaran of illegally receiving foreign exchange from a British company and parking funds in overseas bank accounts.

In that case, Dhinakaran is required to pay a penalty estimated between ₹28 crore and ₹31 crore. As the amount has not yet been paid, the Enforcement Directorate moved the Madras High Court seeking to declare him insolvent. During proceedings, the court reportedly questioned officials over delays in recovering the fine and indicated that further action could follow.

Apart from these, the Enforcement Directorate has also registered a separate money laundering case linked to the alleged 'Two Leaves' symbol bribery issue. Dhinakaran has appeared before ED officials in Delhi on multiple occasions in connection with the probe, which is still underway.

Against this backdrop of legal and political pressure, Dhinakaran's announcement of joining the NDA alliance has taken on added significance. While the AMMK has not officially linked its decision to the ongoing cases, the timing has led to widespread speculation that legal developments played a role in reshaping his alliance strategy ahead of the elections.