Chennai: The AIADMK, led by Edappadi K Palaniswami, was prepared to extend unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to help it form the government, with discussions underway between the two sides. However, after prolonged silence from the TVK camp since Wednesday noon, the party decided to withdraw the offer, multiple sources told TOI.
AIADMK leaders also dismissed any possibility of an alliance with the DMK. Sources said communication between the AIADMK and TVK began early Tuesday, with senior leaders discussing a possible post-poll arrangement as Vijay fell short of a majority. TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, and Vijay has not yet resigned from the Trichy East seat.
The AIADMK won 47 of the 167 seats it contested in the April election. On Wednesday morning, AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan told reporters there was momentum in talks between the two sides and said it was up to Vijay to turn the aspirations of young voters into reality.
"We offered unconditional support for a stable government. For us, anything was negotiable, provided there was mutual respect. However, there has been no response from TVK since Wednesday noon," said a senior leader, a close associate of Palaniswami. AIADMK leaders said TVK, which had sent letters seeking support from many parties, did not formally write to the AIADMK for support.
The talks between the camps ended abruptly around Wednesday noon, shortly after Congress offered conditional support, insisting that TVK stay away from "communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution." "Vijay is unresponsive. He slighted us. There has been no proper response to our voluntary support. So, we called off the talks. Now, we have to keep our flock together and show our political experience," said another senior leader privy to the developments. Sources said the AIADMK was frustrated with what it saw as TVK's poor handling of its options but remained open to smaller parties that may not provide stability during a crisis.
Congress leaders said the party was open to joining the council of ministers, though the matter has not yet been discussed. "Yes, we do," said a senior Congress leader, adding that the party leadership was firm that no communal forces from the NDA should be part of the TVK alliance.
All eyes are now on the VCK, CPI, and CPM, all of which have received letters from Vijay seeking support. CPM state secretary P Shanmugam said a decision will be taken at the state secretariat meeting on Friday. "Support can't be extended casually, and several issues need consideration, including whether support should come from inside or outside the government, public welfare concerns, protection of people's rights, and the approach towards the Union government. What is the assurance that NDA constituents will not join the TVK alliance?" Shanmugam told TOI. VCK leaders said they would follow the Left parties' lead and decide on Friday. The three parties are scheduled to hold a joint statewide protest on Thursday against the Union government's LPG price hike.
