MDMK Quits DMK Alliance, Announces Support for TVK in Local Body Elections
On Saturday, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) announced its exit from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) during a general council meeting held at the MDMK headquarters in Chennai. The party, led by general secretary Vaiko, accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of aligning with "Hindutva forces" and attempting to facilitate an All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government.
The decision marks the end of MDMK's long-time alliance with the DMK, shifting political alignments in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 assembly election.
In a formal resolution adopted during the general council meeting, the MDMK alleged that the DMK had actively sought to align with Hindutva forces. The resolution further claimed that the DMK took steps to install a government led by the AIADMK, even though the AIADMK had secured only 47 MLAs in the assembly.
The resolution stated that this cooperation was an open secret that shocked the public, rendering the Secular Progressive Alliance meaningless. Consequently, MDMK party functionaries decided that they could no longer continue their partnership within the DMK-led alliance.
Following the meeting, MDMK general secretary Vaiko spoke to reporters to clarify the party's future path. He announced that the MDMK will support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by C Joseph Vijay, in the upcoming local body elections as well as future byelections.
Vaiko also revealed that TVK leader C Joseph Vijay had assured political support to ensure the re-election of MDMK's two MLAs if they chose to resign and seek a fresh mandate from the electorate. Both of the current MDMK legislators had previously contested and won their seats under the DMK’s 'Rising Sun' symbol.
While the official party resolution noted that the MDMK would make a final decision on its formal electoral alliances closer to the upcoming general elections, Vaiko's statements confirmed immediate cooperation with the TVK for local polls.
