Tamil Nadu MDMK poised to exit DMK alliance, strengthening Vijay's TVK government

The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) is expected to announce its withdrawal from the DMK‑led Secular Progressive Alliance at a General Council meeting on June 27, signaling a shift toward Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s TVK administration in Tamil Nadu.

MDMK’s two legislators were elected on the DMK’s “Rising Sun” symbol. Party leaders are weighing a strategy in which the MLAs resign, trigger by‑elections and, if re‑elected, support the ruling coalition. Their resignation would raise the number of vacant seats in the state Assembly to eight, including the seat vacated by Chief Minister Vijay.

Over the past week, Vaiko and his son Durai Vaiko met with Vijay and Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna, prompting speculation about an alliance switch. Vaiko has dismissed reports of an imminent move while defending the government against criticism over recent crimes against women.

Former DMK allies such as the VCK, IUML, CPI and CPI(M) have already pledged support to the TVK dispensation, making this potential realignment a notable development in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.