MDMK Withdraws From DMK Alliance As MLA Refuses To Resign For TVK Merger

On Saturday, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) announced its withdrawal from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance during its general council meeting. The decision, which signals a shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, comes amid broader efforts by the MDMK leadership to align with the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) at Fort St George in Chennai. However, plans for an immediate transition were deferred due to internal opposition from a key party legislator.

MDMK founder Vaiko and his son, party principal secretary Durai Vaiko, had been indicating a shift toward the TVK, led by C. Joseph Vijay, by leaving the DMK alliance. To facilitate this migration, the party leadership wanted both of its MLAs to resign their legislative posts. The MLAs had originally won their seats under the DMK symbol.

The plan was stalled when Senthil Selvam, the MDMK MLA representing the Seerkazhi constituency, refused to resign. It remains unclear whether Selvam refused because he wished to avoid a by-election or because he felt it was unethical to leave the DMK after a decade-long alliance. His refusal effectively blocked Vaiko and Durai Vaiko's immediate plans to join the growing coalition under the TVK.

The political developments follow the TVK's victory in the assembly elections, which allowed the party to take control at Fort St George. Since the election, several politicians and entire parties have joined the TVK. Immediately after the election results, the Congress party joined the TVK in an alliance, securing cabinet representation. Four AIADMK MLAs also resigned from their posts in hopes of securing TVK nominations in upcoming by-elections.

During its Saturday meeting, the MDMK did not announce a new alliance, stating instead that its future electoral decisions would be revealed at an appropriate time.