Chennai has seen fresh political speculation after reports in some North Indian media claimed the DMK may be accommodated in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Union Cabinet. The developments have triggered intense discussion in Tamil Nadu’s political circles.
From 2021, relations between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the BJP-led Centre were marked by sustained confrontation. DMK leaders had repeatedly attacked the Modi government and criticised the AIADMK for aligning with the BJP.
The political landscape changed after the April Assembly election, in which the DMK lost and the TVK formed the government. The Congress, which had been in the DMK alliance for 22 years, shifted to the TVK camp the very next day after the results, and parties such as the VCK, CPI(M), CPI and the Muslim League also moved towards TVK, leaving the DMK isolated.
Against this backdrop, it is being said that the DMK is exploring a working relationship with the BJP at the Centre. The party, which had earlier strongly opposed the Modi government’s delimitation bill, is now said to be willing to accept it if Tamil Nadu’s share of representation in the Lok Sabha is not reduced.
Former DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi Somu remarked that politics has no permanent friends or enemies. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijay told the Assembly that files related to alleged corruption in three departments during the DMK regime are on his table and would be released when needed. Reports also suggest both sides may see mutual benefit—DMK seeking BJP support, and the BJP seeking DMK MPs’ backing for passing bills—as a Cabinet expansion is expected soon.
