DMK is facing growing calls from within its ranks to contest upcoming elections without an alliance, amid signs that several long-time partners are moving away. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said the party would soon examine the suggestion.
According to the developments cited, parties that contested the last Assembly election with the DMK—Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), the two Communist parties and the Muslim League—have shifted toward the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by Vijay and have extended support for him as Chief Minister. Congress, the CPI and the Muslim League have formally announced their exit from the DMK alliance, while VCK and the CPI(M) are expected to make their position clear soon.
In the same backdrop, the MDMK, which remains in the alliance, is set to announce its stand shortly, with speculation that it too may lean toward TVK. The report notes that if such a move happens, the party’s two MLAs elected on the DMK symbol could face pressure to resign.
At a wedding event in Tiruvarur, DMK deputy general secretary and MP A. Raja criticised alliance partners for publicly declaring that the DMK has no alliance, calling it overreach. He argued that Stalin should announce that the party will go without an alliance, saying there was “no other way” to protect Tamil Nadu.
Stalin, speaking at the same event, responded to criticism made in the Assembly by Chief Minister Vijay and asserted that he remains with the people regardless of whether he is in the House. Referring to his government’s welfare initiatives and his work style, he said he would continue to stand with the public, and added that the party would soon consider the view that an alliance may not be necessary.
