Is Tamil Nadu BJP Unfazed by Dhinakaran's Exit from NDA?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP remains optimistic despite Dhinakaran's exit.
- All opposition parties are expected to unite against the DMK.
- Recent challenges within the NDA are viewed as normal.
- Focus remains on electoral strategies as elections approach.
- Party leaders emphasize the importance of unity in opposition.
Chennai, Sep 4 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday aimed to minimize the significance of AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran's departure from the NDA, asserting that all factions opposing the ruling DMK will ultimately unify as the Assembly elections approach.
BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy informed journalists that variations among allies are typical in a democratic framework and should not be interpreted as lasting failures.
“You will witness who all are part of the NDA in Tamil Nadu, led by the AIADMK, during the elections. This is not a split or the conclusion of the alliance,” he stated.
His comments follow the BJP's recent revival of its electoral alliance with the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led AIADMK and the announcement of him as the NDA’s Chief Ministerial candidate.
However, the alliance has encountered challenges since then, with former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam exiting and now Dhinakaran revealing his intention to part ways.
AIADMK ally Premalatha Vijayakanth has also mentioned that her party will determine its position closer to the elections.
In response to Dhinakaran’s accusation of “betrayal” regarding his failed attempt to unite the followers of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Thirupathy remarked: “He didn’t mean the BJP. Therefore, I need not comment.”
Confident that the NDA will remain central to opposition unity, he added: “All political entities motivated by a shared goal to dislodge the DMK will band together under the NDA umbrella.”
On reports concerning former BJP state chief K. Annamalai missing a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on September 3, Thirupathy dismissed the speculation of an internal conflict.
“How can you speculate and draw conclusions about a meeting attended by only senior leaders? Annamalai himself clarified he had prior commitments. There is nothing beyond that,” he stated.
Despite exits and uncertainties, the BJP asserted that the alliance dynamics will crystallize closer to the elections, emphasizing that the primary political goal of unseating the DMK will act as the cohesive force for all opposition parties.