Tamil Nadu IUML says DMK explored alternate chief minister candidates before backing Vijay

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national president K. M. Kader Mohideen said the DMK leadership considered former AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami and VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan as possible chief ministers before deciding to support TVK president Vijay's government formation. He reported that IUML women’s wing workers observed a growing desire for change among voters, prompting the alliance to avoid a delayed government that could trigger President's Rule and indirect BJP influence.

Mohideen added that the DMK’s proposals were uncomfortable for the IUML, which ultimately gave unconditional support to Vijay's administration, later accepting cabinet posts while urging continuity of welfare and social‑justice programmes. He noted that discussions about Palaniswami and Thirumavalavan were only entertained if Vijay could not form a government, and that Thirumavalavan, though not an MLA, could be elected within six months. The IUML announced a council meeting on June 20 to decide its future role in the DMK alliance.