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What happened
The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) faction headed by Anbumani Ramadoss returned to the AIADMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu on January 7, 2026. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and colleagues met Anbumani Ramadoss and associates in Chennai before the announcement. Palaniswami said the number of seats for the PMK had been finalised but did not disclose the figure. Since the revival of AIADMK-BJP ties in April 2025, the PMK was the first party of considerable following to join the coalition.
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Key insights
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Expectation of alliance expansion: Edappadi K. Palaniswami expressed confidence that more parties would soon join the alliance.
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Claim of public anger at DMK government: Anbumani Ramadoss said he witnessed people’s anger at the present DMK regime during his State-wide tour.
Takeaways
On January 7, 2026, Anbumani Ramadoss’s PMK faction joined the AIADMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu, with seat-sharing finalised but undisclosed and AIADMK leaders expecting additional parties to join.