MDMK Quits DMK Alliance After Nine Years
Vaiko-led party cites irreconcilable differences; stops short of formally joining the TVK-led ruling front
- MDMK formally ended its nine-year alliance with the DMK.
- Party welcomed the TVK government but did not announce a formal alliance.
- MDMK accused the DMK of attempting to weaken the party.
- Two MDMK MLAs will remain with the DMK, limiting the immediate political impact.
GG News Bureau
Chennai, 27th June: The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) on Friday formally ended its nine-year alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), marking a significant political shift in Tamil Nadu even as the party stopped short of officially joining the ruling TVK-led alliance.
The decision was taken at the party’s general council meeting, which adopted resolutions welcoming Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s government and urging it to fulfil key electoral promises, including maintaining a corruption-free administration and protecting Tamil Nadu’s interests on issues such as the Mekedatu dam project.
Explaining its exit from the DMK-led front, the MDMK alleged that attempts had been made to weaken the party and claimed there was a “secret plan” to facilitate the AIADMK’s return to power, making it impossible for the party to continue in the alliance.
Despite mounting speculation over its proximity to the TVK, the party refrained from formally announcing its entry into the ruling coalition.
The immediate political impact of the move was diluted after the MDMK’s two MLAs, elected on the DMK’s Rising Sun symbol in the 2026 Assembly elections, stayed away from the general council meeting and indicated they would remain with the DMK. Their decision means the TVK government’s legislative strength will remain unchanged for now.
The MDMK had earlier abstained during the TVK government’s trust vote, fuelling speculation over its future political course. Senior leaders, including Vaiko and MP Durai Vaiko, have also held meetings with Chief Minister Joseph Vijay in recent weeks.
With the MDMK’s departure, the Congress, VCK, IUML and MDMK are now aligned with the TVK-led political front, while the CPI and CPM continue to extend outside support to the minority government.
The development also comes amid growing calls within the DMK for the party to contest future elections independently, with senior leaders including Kanimozhi and A. Raja recently advocating such a strategy.
Vaiko, once regarded as the political protégé of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi before being expelled from the DMK in 1993, has had a long and fluctuating relationship with the party. His latest decision marks another turning point in Tamil Nadu’s evolving political landscape.
