PMK-TVK Buzz Puts VCK Alliance Under Strain
Thirumavalavan reiterates VCK’s long-standing position as speculation grows over a possible post-bypoll PMK-TVK tie-up
- VCK reiterates its position on PMK and BJP alliances.
- PMK remains neutral in the October 6 bypolls.
- TVK is seeking support in two Assembly constituencies.
- PMK-TVK alliance reports remain unconfirmed
GG News Bureau
Chennai, 1st Oct: Reports of a possible post-bypoll alliance between the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) have triggered unease within the ruling alliance, with Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan reiterating that his party would not be part of an alliance involving either the PMK or BJP.
Speaking to party cadres during a Facebook Live session, Thirumavalavan said the VCK had maintained this position for more than 15 years. He also described reports of a possible PMK-TVK understanding as rumours aimed at creating confusion among VCK workers ahead of the October 6 by-elections.
The speculation follows the PMK’s decision to remain neutral in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-elections instead of campaigning for the AIADMK, of which it had been an ally. The decision has fuelled speculation about the party’s possible post-poll political options.
The political significance of the speculation extends beyond the two by-elections. The TVK government is currently short of a majority in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, while the PMK has four MLAs and the VCK has two, according to the figures cited in the report.
The two by-elections are particularly significant for TVK. Madurantakam and Dharapuram fell vacant after AIADMK MLAs K Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama resigned and joined TVK. Both are contesting the bypolls as TVK candidates. The Election Commission has scheduled polling for October 6 and counting for October 9.
VCK has campaigned for the TVK candidates in both constituencies, adding importance to Thirumavalavan’s warning about any potential change in the alliance’s composition.
PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss’s wife, Soumya Anbumani, has dismissed reports that the party is preparing to join the TVK alliance after the by-elections and that she could be considered for the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, urging journalists not to give importance to rumours.
TVK School Education Minister Raj Mohan has also indicated that decisions on new allies would be taken collectively.
The developments come as TVK continues to expand its political network. The party recently appointed 15 new deputy general secretaries, including 11 former AIADMK ministers, amid a steady movement of AIADMK leaders into the ruling party.
For now, the PMK has not announced a shift into the TVK alliance. The immediate political focus remains on the October 6 by-elections, while speculation over the post-poll alignment has brought the differing positions of the PMK and VCK into sharper focus.
