Chennai: The MDMK, led by veteran politician Vaiko, appears to be heading towards a significant political decision amid growing calls within the party to reconsider its alliance with the DMK and extend support to the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government headed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
In the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the MDMK contested as part of the DMK-led alliance and was allotted four constituencies — Sirkazhi, Kadayanallur, Modakkurichi and Madurai South.
The party fielded Senthil Selvan in Sirkazhi, Rajendran in Kadayanallur, Senthil Nathan in Modakkurichi and Bhoominathan in Madurai South, all of whom contested on the DMK’s iconic Rising Sun symbol as part of the alliance arrangement.
Of the four candidates, Senthil Selvan and Rajendran emerged victorious in Sirkazhi and Kadayanallur respectively, giving the MDMK two seats in the state Assembly. However, with the political landscape in Tamil Nadu undergoing a major shift following the formation of the TVK government, several MDMK leaders and party executives are reportedly urging Vaiko to reassess the party’s political future and break away from the DMK alliance.
Speculation about a possible realignment gained momentum on Monday when MDMK Principal Secretary and Tiruchirappalli MP Durai Vaiko personally received Chief Minister Vijay during his visit to the Tiruchi East Assembly constituency.
Vijay had travelled to the constituency to thank voters after vacating the seat upon assuming office as Chief Minister.
Speaking to reporters later, Durai Vaiko made remarks that triggered fresh political discussions. “Unfortunately, we contested on the DMK symbol. We are a separate movement. Since we were contesting on the Rising Sun symbol, we could not support TVK,” he said.
His comments have fuelled reports that MDMK legislators Senthil Selvan and Rajendran could resign from the Assembly if the party decides to chart an independent course.
Political observers are closely watching developments ahead of the MDMK General Council meeting scheduled to be held in Chennai on June 27. The meeting is expected to discuss the party’s future political strategy, including the possibility of severing ties with the DMK alliance and extending support to the TVK government, a move that could reshape alliance equations in Tamil Nadu politics.
(IANS)
