Differences have surfaced between the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) over the question of joining the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Cabinet in Tamil Nadu.
While parties such as the Congress, VCK and the Muslim League—who support the TVK government—are already part of the Cabinet, the CPI and CPI(M) have been extending support from outside.
CPI state secretary Veerappandian is said to be keen on contesting the upcoming local body elections in alliance with TVK. However, some party functionaries described as sympathetic to the DMK are reportedly pressing for the CPI to contest the local polls independently.
CPI MLAs Thali Ramachandran and Nagapattinam Marimuthu are stated to favour the TVK government completing a full five-year term, and Veerappandian has indicated openness to the CPI entering the Cabinet. He said a situation could arise for the CPI to get a Cabinet berth, adding that an MLA from Krishnagiri district could become a minister when the time comes.
In contrast, CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam reiterated that his party would not join the TVK Cabinet, saying both parties’ state secretaries had already announced such a decision earlier. With the two parties taking differing positions, a Communist parties’ coordination committee meeting is scheduled in Chennai on July 20, where the Cabinet participation issue is expected to be discussed.
