AMMK Accuses AIADMK of Campaign Neglect and Disrespect in Tamil Nadu
The Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) has publicly voiced strong grievances against its alliance partner, the AIADMK, alleging systematic neglect and disrespect during ongoing election campaign activities in Tamil Nadu. Party officials claim that despite providing substantial grassroots support to National Democratic Alliance candidates in key constituencies, their efforts have been met with indifference and exclusion from crucial campaign events.
Krishnagiri District Secretary Details Allegations of Exclusion
S Ganesh Kumar, the AMMK's Krishnagiri East district secretary, revealed that party workers have been actively supporting NDA candidates in the Uthangarai and Bargur Assembly constituencies of Krishnagiri district for nearly two weeks. This support was reportedly mobilized under direct instructions from party leader T T V Dhinakaran. Kumar emphasized that workers from district-level functionaries to panchayat-level office-bearers have been working diligently in various capacities without expecting any material rewards.
"However, despite our repeated requests and appeals, the candidate introduction meeting was never organized," Kumar stated. "Even after personally appealing to Krishnagiri district secretary K Ashok Kumar, no action was taken to address our concerns or include our members in formal campaign activities."
Serious Allegations Against AIADMK Leadership
The AMMK has leveled particularly serious accusations against AIADMK deputy general secretary K P Munusamy, alleging that he deliberately ignored meetings, nomination-related events, and party activities involving both AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami and AMMK members. The party characterized this behavior as demonstrating a complete lack of basic respect and hospitality, terming it "a serious insult" to their organization and workers.
Ganesh Kumar further disclosed that two days prior to his statement, the AIADMK had distributed funds of 10,000 rupees per booth to alliance party executives to facilitate voter mobilization efforts. Despite this financial distribution, AMMK members were conspicuously not invited to participate in the corresponding campaign activities, creating what Kumar described as "a painful and distressing boycott."
"There is no use in complaining to anyone about this situation," Kumar lamented, expressing frustration at what he perceives as systemic exclusion from the alliance's operational framework.
Similar Concerns Echoed Across Multiple Districts
AMMK functionaries in Vellore, Tirupattur, and Ranipet districts have reported experiencing similar patterns of neglect and poor communication. A functionary from Ranipet district explained, "There is no proper communication channel established for election in-charges within our constituencies. Sometimes, even when we are invited to join campaign activities, we find ourselves completely out of place and marginalized."
These functionaries also pointed to organizational challenges, noting that several AMMK members have recently defected to the DMK along with former MLA N Parthiban, significantly thinning the party's strength and influence in certain districts.
Contrasting Dynamics in Thevar Belt Regions
Despite these widespread complaints, the situation appears markedly different in the Thevar belt regions of Tamil Nadu, where AMMK functionaries report much smoother collaboration with both AIADMK and BJP cadres. K David Annadurai, an AMMK functionary based in Madurai, noted, "Our leader T T V Dhinakaran has actively campaigned in several constituencies within Theni and Madurai districts over the last couple of days, and our workers are gelling well with alliance partners in these areas."
This regional variation highlights the complex and sometimes contradictory dynamics within Tamil Nadu's political alliances, where cooperation levels can differ significantly based on local factors, historical relationships, and community dynamics.
