IUML exits DMK alliance, cites association with TVK

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has ended its long-standing alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), withdrawing from the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA). The party announced its decision on Saturday, citing the SPA's post-election association with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as the primary reason for the split.

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Respecting the verdict given by the people in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) extended its support for the TVK to form the government, and is currently part of the government led by the C Joseph Vijay. Given today’s political climate, we cannot continue our journey in the DMK alliance.This meeting resolves that a decision regarding the electoral alliance will be made as soon as the by-elections and local body elections are announced.

The IUML's general council meeting in Chennai passed 14 resolutions, including the one to discontinue its association with the DMK-led alliance. The party stated that a decision on future electoral alliances would be made once the dates for by-elections and local body elections are announced.

IUML president K M Khader Mohideen reflected on the party's history within the alliance, noting that their electoral successes in local body, legislative assembly, and parliamentary elections have historically occurred within the DMK alliance. He explained that the decision to support the TVK government was made after negotiations with Stalin and party supporters, with the aim of preventing the imposition of President's Rule in Tamil Nadu.

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After a long time, 2 IUML members found a place in Tamil Nadu the state assembly...Whether winning on behalf of the IUML in local body elections, legislative assembly elections or parliamentary elections, we have achieved victories only within the DMK alliance so far.

The TVK secured a plurality of seats in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections but fell short of the majority needed to form the government. The SPA, including the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML, provided support to the TVK. Following the election results, IUML MLA A M Shahjahan was appointed as the minister of minorities welfare in the TVK government.

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We did not put forth any conditions to the TVK and the only reason we decided to support the TVK is to ensure that the President’s Rule does not get imposed in Tamil Nadu.

DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan commented on the IUML's departure, acknowledging their withdrawal and subsequent joining of the TVK alliance, which included securing a cabinet berth. He expressed that while their relationship with the IUML had been long-standing, the party's withdrawal was beyond the DMK's influence and questioned its benefit to the IUML.

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They (IUML) have already withdrawn and joined the TVK alliance and they have got even a cabinet berth. What can we do? Our relationship with the IUML since the days of Quaid-E-Millath was very long. Now, that they have withdrawn, what can we do? It is not going to help them.