Daijiworld Media Network – Chennai
Chennai, May 20: Tamil Nadu’s ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Wednesday dismissed speculation that Left parties could withdraw support to the government if factions of the AIADMK are brought into the coalition.
TVK leader and Minister Aadhav Arjuna reiterated the party’s invitation to alliance partners including the CPM, CPI, VCK and IUML to formally join the government headed by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay.
However, Arjuna declined to comment on reports regarding a possible cabinet expansion, stating that TVK president Vijay would make an announcement soon.
The Congress, which holds five seats and is the largest ally of the TVK, is expected to be part of the government, Arjuna confirmed. The CPM, CPI, VCK and IUML, despite supporting the government from outside, are yet to join the ministry.
“Chief Minister has reiterated the invitation to the CPM, CPI, VCK and IUML. That remains his wish and vision,” Arjuna told reporters.
He also stressed that the TVK would continue to stand for social justice and accused sections within the DMK and AIADMK of attempting to undermine the people’s mandate after the Assembly elections delivered a fractured verdict.
The TVK emerged as the single-largest party by winning 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, falling short of the majority mark by 10 seats. It later formed the government with support from the Congress, VCK, CPM, CPI and IUML.
Arjuna alleged that decisions taken by AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, including the party’s renewed alliance with the BJP, contributed to the AIADMK’s electoral setback.
“AIADMK cadre realised that aligning with the DMK was wrong and many extended support to TVK,” he claimed.
Referring to the group of rebel AIADMK MLAs who supported the TVK government during the recent trust vote, Arjuna said the faction led by C V Shanmugam was acting independently and not for political power.
“MLAs have the right to decide whom they support,” he said.
The support equation remains crucial for the Vijay-led government. The TVK currently has 107 MLAs after Vijay vacated one of the two constituencies he had won. Along with the support of allies, the coalition’s strength stands at 120, just two above the majority mark of 118.
Political observers believe the numbers could significantly improve if rebel AIADMK legislators formally back the government, although such a move may trigger fresh tensions within the alliance.
The developments have intensified speculation over a possible cabinet expansion and future political realignments in Tamil Nadu.