Chennai: Much was written about T T V Dhinakaran’s Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections and by-elections to 22 Assembly seats in Tamilnadu. And when the results were announced yesterday, there was a shocker that awaited not just TTV but also political pundits, who expected him to play spoilsport to AIADMK’s fortunes.
The AMMK could muster less than 5 per cent votes and Independent candidates fielded by him in 38 constituencies across Tamilnadu lost their deposit. Shockingly, in a few seats, they finished behind Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM).
Speaking to News Today, an AIADMK supporter said, “Though we lost badly to the DMK, we should be happy for we proved that Dhinakaran is no spoiler of our shares. His campaign against us had no impact.”
AMMK’s leading light, Thanga Tamilselvan, who contested in Theni constituency, polled very few votes. AIADMK’s P Raveendranath Kumar emerged the winner there. Theni was considered their stronghold and there were rumours a few months ago that Dhinakaran himself may contest from the seat.”
According to political observers, “The Lok Sabha polls saw a high-pitched battle between the DMK and AIADMK. There was a strong anti-Modi wave. Unfortunately, Dhinkaran was busy raising issues against AIADMK, EPS and OPS that he failed to lay hands on the anti-BJP votes that went in favour of the DMK.”
“Dhinkaran vowed to put an end to the EPS government claiming that it was not in a majority. With no change in government after the AIADMK won nine seats, it is evident that Dhinakaran has lost the plot,” they said.
There was some saving grace for the AMMK in the by-elections. In a few seats, the party managed to get votes more than the victory margin between the AIADMK and DMK. But contrary to exit polls that predicted a win for them in at least a couple of seats, they ended up losing miserably here too.
Having won a moral battle against Dhinakaran, AIADMK co-cordinator and Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said, “Those who drifted away from the party due to illusions created by selfish individuals should return to the AIADMK.”