MDMK Quits DMK Alliance, Will Back TVK in State Bypolls

The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) has ended its eight-year alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), accusing its former ally of political maneuvering to form an AIADMK government after the recent assembly election results. Party general secretary Vaiko announced the decision, stating the MDMK would now support the ruling TVK in the upcoming state by-elections.

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We are leaving the alliance headed by the DMK. In the ensuing by-elections, we will extend our support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. They have eradicated commission and corruption, the two evils of democracy.

Vaiko explained that the MDMK felt compelled to contest only four assembly seats under the DMK's 'Rising Sun' symbol, despite requests for an independent symbol. He alleged that the DMK engaged in political gamesmanship after the election outcomes, aiming to establish an AIADMK government. This move comes after the MDMK joined the DMK-led alliance in 2017 to counter communal forces and protect the Dravidian movement's ideology.

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We have never criticised Stalin or the DMK party, but after the election result, to form an AIADMK government, the DMK indulged in politics.

Despite severing ties with the DMK, the MDMK affirmed its commitment to the national opposition alliance, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, and will attend its next meeting. The party's decision to support the TVK in by-elections follows several meetings between MDMK leaders and Chief Minister Vijay after he assumed office. The MDMK had previously won two seats in the recent polls, with both candidates running under the DMK's symbol.

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We were compelled to sign our acceptance that we will be contesting only in four assembly seats and under the ‘Rising Sun’ symbol.