MK Stalin's DMK suffers another setback as MDMK breaks 9-year-old alliance
Suspense Crime, Digital Desk : In a major political turnaround, Tamil Nadu's Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) has officially ended its nine-year-old alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
The decision was taken at the party's general council meeting today. While the MDMK has not yet formally announced its intention to join the ruling TVK-led front, there are clear indications in political circles that it is likely to do so.
Welcome to the government of Chief Minister Joseph Vijay
In resolutions passed at its general council meeting, the MDMK welcomed Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's government and urged the new government to stick to its key election promises, including providing a corruption-free administration and protecting Tamil Nadu's rights on issues such as the Mekedatu dam project.
However, the party's proposals make no direct mention of joining the TVK alliance, even though all political signals point in that direction.
Serious allegations leveled against DMK
Justifying its decision to withdraw from the alliance, the MDMK alleged that efforts were being made within the DMK to weaken the MDMK. The party also claimed that a secret plot was underway to help the AIADMK form the government, making it impossible for the MDMK to remain in the alliance.
The DMK, on the other hand, has categorically rejected these allegations. Syed Hafeezullah of the DMK said it was the DMK that helped the MDMK gain representation in the Assembly and Parliament.
The promotion of Vaiko's son Durai Vaiko in the MDMK is the real reason for the party's weakening, as it is completely contrary to Vaiko's own earlier campaigns against dynastic politics.
Two MDMK MLAs take rebellious stance
While this development is a setback for the DMK, it also harms the MDMK itself. Two MDMK MLAs, elected on the DMK's rising sun symbol in the 2026 assembly elections, boycotted the general council meeting.
These MLAs have indicated that they will remain with the DMK. Their decision means that even if the MDMK formally forms an alliance with the TVK, there will be no immediate increase in the ruling party's legislative strength, nor will any seats be vacated that would necessitate a by-election.
TVK's growing closeness with the government
Signs of the MDMK's split had already emerged when the party abstained from voting during the TVK government's trust vote. Following this, MDMK chief Vaiko and his son and MP Durai Vaiko held several meetings with Chief Minister Vijay and senior TVK leaders.
Following the MDMK's exit, the Congress, VCK, IUML, and MDMK are now seen supporting the ruling TVK. In this new government, the Congress has become a coalition partner with two ministers, while the VCK and IUML each hold one cabinet position. Meanwhile, left-wing parties like the CPI and CPM are supporting the minority TVK government from outside.
There is a growing demand within the DMK to contest the elections alone.
This political shift comes at a time when voices within the DMK are growing louder about contesting future elections on their own. This idea was first proposed by DMK MP Kanimozhi, followed by former Union Minister and DMK MP A. Raja.
Turning to the pages of political history, Vaiko was once considered the political heir apparent of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. However, in 1993, he was expelled from the DMK due to his growing popularity and being seen as a challenge to Karunanidhi's son, M.K. Stalin.
His "sweet and sour" relationship with the DMK has been tumultuous over the years, with him frequently moving in and out of the alliance. Now, once again, Vaiko has separated the MDMK's boat from the DMK's side.
