Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay’s sudden closeness with the PMK is being attributed to mounting pressure from allies, particularly the VCK and the two Communist parties, sources said. Parties that won under the DMK alliance banner—Congress, VCK, CPM, CPI and the Muslim League—are currently extending support to the TVK government, with Congress and the Muslim League seen as largely cooperative.
However, the CPM, CPI and VCK have repeatedly criticised the government on multiple issues. VCK’s involvement in administrative matters, including transfers of officials, is also said to be a point of friction, adding to the government’s discomfort.
Amid this, the government’s outreach to AIADMK MLAs has triggered sharp reactions from VCK and the Left, who have described it as “horse-trading”. The episode has reportedly embarrassed the TVK leadership further, especially after VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan warned that his party could exit the Cabinet at any time.
Against this backdrop, TVK is said to be giving increased importance to PMK, which has four MLAs. After becoming Chief Minister, Vijay met PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss at his residence, and TVK also took part in an all-party meeting convened by PMK seeking a caste-based survey.
Following Anbumani’s submission of the all-party resolution to the Chief Minister, the Governor’s address announced that a “social justice survey” would be conducted by the Tamil Nadu government. In a further sign of warming ties, PMK MLA Sowmiya Anbumani met Vijay to convey thanks, during which the Chief Minister praised her speech in the Assembly on the Cauvery Mekedatu dam issue, sources said.
