T. T. V. Dhinakaran, leader of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, has announced candidates for 11 constituencies given to his party in the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led NDA alliance for the upcoming April 23 elections.
Most of the candidates selected are experienced leaders and former MLAs. The list includes names like C. Shanmugavelu (Madathukulam), K. Kathir Kaman (Periyakulam), S. Kamaraj (Mannargudi), V. Karthikeyan (Thiruvaiyaru), Dherpoki V. Pandi (Karaikudi), A. Gnanasekar (Tirupathur), Esakki Muthu (Nanguneri), R. Sundararaj (Ottapidaram-R), Rajasekharan (Trichy West), G. Senthamizhan (Saidapet), and T.A. Elumalai (Poonthamallee-R).
The announcement shows that the party is depending on senior leaders with political experience for the elections. This is seen as a strategy to strengthen its chances in the constituencies it is contesting.
However, the decision has also caused disappointment among some party members. N. Parthiban from Sholinghur, a long-time supporter, was not included in the list. Upset with this decision, he announced that he is leaving the party along with his supporters after holding a meeting.
Similarly, David Annadurai, who contested from Thiruparankundram in 2021, was also not given a seat this time. This came despite earlier promises and encouragement from the party leadership to prepare for the elections.
These developments have raised questions about the party’s internal strategy and decision-making process. The mix of experienced candidates and the exit of some leaders may impact the party’s performance in the upcoming polls.
As the elections approach, it remains to be seen how the party will manage internal issues and present a united front in the alliance.