Nanguneri Key Flashpoint in AIADMK Alliance Seat Talks | Tamil Nadu Politics

In a calibrated assertion within the AIADMK-led alliance, the AMMK has formally staked its claim over Nanguneri, signalling that seat-sharing negotiations in the southern districts may not be routine.

Now aligned with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the AMMK leadership considers Nanguneri a viable constituency, pointing to its performance in the previous  Assembly election 2026 where the party secured more than 40,000 votes. Party functionaries argue that the numbers demonstrate residual organisational strength rather than a one-off electoral spike.

Dhinakaran has informed district-level office-bearers that the party will prioritise constituencies where its booth presence and cadre network are measurable. Though he had earlier stated that he would not personally enter the Assembly or Rajya Sabha fray, the party has decided to support a candidate in Andipatti. Units in Theni, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Thoothukudi have also sought representation in the seat-sharing arrangement.

The alliance arithmetic is layered. Besides the AIADMK, the combine includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). Both parties are understood to be seeking a broader footprint in southern Tamil Nadu. Multiple alliance sources indicated that negotiations are likely to centre on winnability metrics rather than mere symbolic allocation.

Over the past fortnight, Dhinakaran has undertaken district visits to review preparedness. In Tirunelveli, he held consultations with district administrators and booth agents to assess ground realities in Nanguneri and adjoining segments. Party insiders confirmed that booth committees are being constituted in constituencies identified as electorally favourable.

Addressing cadre after a closed-door review, Dhinakaran maintained that discussions with the BJP and the AIADMK would be “smooth,” dismissing speculation of friction. He reiterated that the primary objective of the alliance is to unseat the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government.

Politically, Nanguneri now assumes significance beyond its numerical weight. For the AMMK, it is a constituency where past vote share could translate into bargaining leverage. For the alliance, the final allocation may reflect the internal balance of power within the opposition bloc in Tamil Nadu.

As negotiations enter a decisive phase, Nanguneri stands out as an early indicator of how the opposition front intends to structure its southern strategy.