BJP Slams MDMK Alignment With Vijay TVK as Donkey Trading

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief Vaiko declared a major realignment in Tamil Nadu by breaking ties with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance to support Chief Minister Vijay’s TVK. This strategic shift drew immediate condemnation from the BJP, which labeled the political maneuvering as corrupt and unethical.

In a dramatic restructuring of regional political alignments, MDMK leader Vaiko revealed on Saturday that his organization would dissolve its partnership with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. The party has chosen to align itself with the TVK, headed by Chief Minister Vijay.

The Bharatiya Janata Party strongly rebuked the transition just 24 hours after the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam finalized its exit from the ruling coalition, characterizing the tactical migration as “donkey trading.”

In an exclusive briefing, regional BJP official Vinoj P. Selvam stated that the democratic process was being compromised. He asserted that the TVK was actively enticing lawmakers through financial incentives and administrative promises.

“This is worse than horse-trading. We are entering a phase of donkey trading,” he alleged.

Selvam censured the MDMK leadership for abandoning the coalition. He pointed out that the Vaiko-led faction had participated in and secured victories during the April 23 Assembly elections using the official ‘Rising Sun’ symbol of the DMK, making this departure unprincipled.

“If the MDMK feels it was insulted, then Durai Vaiko, who won under the DMK alliance, should resign first,” he said.

He additionally claimed that the TVK was establishing a highly precarious precedent within the electoral framework of Tamil Nadu.

The political determination followed a high-level convergence of the MDMK general council, which gathered to map out the legislative future of the party.

“We will support the TVK led by CM Vijay,” Vaiko told reporters after announcing the party’s exit from the alliance. He added that the MDMK would also back the TVK in the upcoming bypolls for six Assembly seats.

The veteran politician accused the DMK, a long-term partner, of surreptitiously trying to engineer an AIADMK-led administration. He stated that such actions compromised the foundational secular values championed by the alliance.

During the recently concluded state elections, the MDMK secured two legislative seats. Concurrently, the Vijay-led TVK established itself as the single largest entity by capturing 108 seats, leaving it 10 representatives short of an absolute majority.

The Congress, Left Front, and additional minor political factions—all formerly associated with the DMK—subsequently pledged legislative backing to Vijay, anchoring his ascension to Chief Minister.

While the MDMK paused on issuing an immediate statement of formal governance support to the TVK administration post-election, clear indications of political rapprochement between Vaiko and Chief Minister Vijay were evident. With Vaiko delivering unambiguous cooperation to the TVK, the state political environment anticipates further volatility before the bypolls.

CHENNAI:

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam patriarch Vaiko confirmed on Saturday that his political unit will extend full cooperation to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam regarding upcoming by-elections and civic body polls, following an undisputed resolution by its General Council to leave the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam coalition.

Speaking to media representatives after the 32nd General Council assembly in Chennai, Vaiko stated, “In the assembly by-election and local body election, MDMK will support TVK.”

Vaiko noted that 1,466 delegates attended the convention, demonstrating widespread internal consensus for severing relationship structures with the DMK.

“Today’s meeting is special compared to all the previous general council meetings. 1,466 members participated. Every member registered their views in today’s meeting. In the general council meeting, that MDMK should come out from the DMK alliance is what most members said. Unanimously in our general council meeting, we took the decision to get away from the DMK alliance,” Vaiko said.

He further claimed that the DMK engaged in clandestine political engineering following the announcement of the assembly election tallies.

“We have never criticised Stalin or the DMK party, but after the election result, to form an AIADMK government, DMK indulged in politics,” he said.

Vaiko observed that Sirkazhi legislator Senthil Selvan, who received an official invitation to the party summit, notified leadership that he had already transferred his allegiance to the DMK.

“Kadayanallur assembly constituency MLA TM Rajendran didn’t participate in today’s meeting, but he gave a message that he still continues as MDMK, and he will serve as an MDMK MLA. He has also registered that he is not going to resign from our Party,” he added.

In a separate press brief, Vaiko verified the departure of the MDMK from the DMK coalition. He repeated his endorsement of the TVK for the bypolls, applauding the new administration for maintaining an unblemished record.

“We are leaving the alliance headed by DMK. In the ensuing by-elections, we will extend our support to TVK. I appreciate their government. They have eradicated commission and corruption, the two evils of democracy. They are free from those allegations. I appreciate and congratulate the Chief Minister Vijay on this point,” he said.

Future Outlook

The realignment of the MDMK introduces a highly volatile dynamic to the upcoming local body elections and the six vacant assembly seat bypolls. With Chief Minister Vijay’s TVK sitting at 108 seats, securing these additional vacancies will be paramount to cementing a stable legislative majority without relying heavily on fractured coalition partners. Consequently, the DMK faces the task of defending its traditional strongholds while navigating accusations of ideological compromise.

FAQs

Why did the MDMK exit the DMK alliance?

The MDMK exited the alliance after its general council voted unanimously to sever ties. Leadership accused the DMK of engaging in political maneuvering to facilitate an AIADMK government, which they claimed undermined secular values.

How many seats does the TVK hold in the Tamil Nadu assembly?

The TVK is currently the single largest party in the legislature with 108 seats, which places it 10 seats short of a simple majority.

What was the BJP’s reaction to the MDMK aligning with the TVK?

The BJP strongly criticized the transition, labeling the shift as donkey trading. Party leadership accused the TVK of poaching elected representatives through financial inducements and seat offers.