Opposition has surfaced within the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) set-up over the proposal to include AIADMK dissident MLAs—who are backing the government—in the Tamil Nadu cabinet.
According to AIADMK dissident camp MLAs, TVK had sought their support after the election results, citing the lack of a clear majority. They said talks on a formal alliance did not materialise after AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami sought the chief minister’s post.
The dissident MLAs claimed that later discussions, facilitated by leaders including C.V. Shanmugam and S.P. Velumani, led to an understanding that they would get a share in the government if they extended support. However, they alleged that sections within TVK—including strategist John Arokiyasamy and minister Aadhav Arjuna—were not keen on offering cabinet positions to AIADMK members.
They further said TVK negotiators suggested excluding leaders facing corruption cases and discussed limiting the number of ministerial berths, but the dissident camp did not accept the terms. The MLAs also alleged that DMK alliance partners such as VCK and the Communist parties have conveyed that they would reconsider their support if AIADMK dissidents are inducted into the cabinet.
The dissident leaders, the MLAs said, have pressed TVK to honour earlier assurances, while TVK has raised concerns about potential legal complications and the stability of MLAs’ positions. Meanwhile, talks are said to be under way to offer cabinet berths to DMK alliance partners including VCK, Muslim League and the Communist parties, with the dissident camp alleging this is being used to project opposition to their entry.
