The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has intensified attacks on former allies after their legislators joined the Tamil Virtue Kaliyugam (TVK) government.
This political shift alters the power balance in Tamil Nadu, as former partners of the DMK have provided the TVK-led administration with a clear legislative majority. The move has sparked a row over political loyalty and the stability of previous coalitions.
DMK MP A. Raja criticized the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for their decision to support the party led by Vijay. Raja said the alliance shift is like a coconut tree bending towards a neighbour.
The TVK won 108 seats [1] in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. While this fell short of the 117 seats [2] required for a majority in the 234-member Assembly, the subsequent backing from the VCK and IUML increased the government's total to 120 MLAs [3].
DMK officials view the move as a betrayal. The party is now reacting to protect its political standing while navigating the new dynamics of power-sharing in the state. The VCK and IUML legislators shifted their support to ensure the TVK-led government had a stable mandate to govern.
“It is like a coconut tree bending towards a neighbour.”
The transition of VCK and IUML support to the TVK signals a realignment of regional power in Tamil Nadu. By pushing the government's strength to 120 seats, these parties have solidified Vijay's hold on the Assembly, leaving the DMK to navigate a more isolated position in the legislature while dealing with the fallout of fractured former alliances.
