Manickam Tagore has strongly criticised speculation surrounding a possible alliance between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu.
The Congress MP alleged that the two long-time rival Dravidian parties were attempting to unite only to prevent actor-turned-politician Vijay from becoming chief minister after his party’s strong electoral performance.
Vijay’s TVK Emerges as Largest Party in Tamil Nadu Polls
The political speculation intensified after Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single-largest party in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
TVK reportedly secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, falling short of the majority mark of 118 by 10 seats. With support from five Congress MLAs, the alliance strength reached 112 seats, still six short of forming the government independently.
The election outcome has triggered intense political discussions regarding possible alliances and government formation in the state.
Manickam Tagore Calls Rumoured Alliance ‘Anti-Tamil Nadu’
In a strongly worded social media post, Manickam Tagore accused the DMK and AIADMK of abandoning ideological differences for political survival.
According to Tagore, the alleged move was not aimed at protecting secularism or serving Tamil Nadu’s interests but at stopping Vijay’s rise in state politics.
The Congress leader also claimed that his party chose to distance itself because it could not support any arrangement involving what he described as parties linked to the BJP or RSS ecosystem.
Governor Seeks Clarity on Majority Support
Meanwhile, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar reportedly invited Vijay for discussions regarding government formation.
According to reports, the Governor informed the TVK leader that the required majority support in the Assembly had not yet been formally established and sought details regarding legislators backing the party’s claim.
The development has further intensified speculation over possible post-election political alignments in Tamil Nadu.
DMK Denies Final Decision on Alliance Speculation
TKS Elangovan denied that any final decision had been taken regarding an alliance with AIADMK.
However, he stated that any such decision would ultimately depend on party chief M K Stalin and that party members would accept the leadership’s stand if such a situation arose.
Elangovan maintained that the DMK’s primary objective remained ensuring a stable government in Tamil Nadu.
Allies and AIADMK Leaders Respond to Rumours
Thol Thirumavalavan, whose party is allied with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, said discussions regarding a possible alliance had not yet taken concrete shape.
Former AIADMK MLA S Semmalai also commented on the speculation, stating that any final decision would be taken by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami.
Political developments in Tamil Nadu continue to evolve rapidly as parties explore possible options for government formation after the closely contested Assembly election.
