The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Tuesday issued a stern warning regarding its continued support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government in Tamil Nadu. The party stated that it would reconsider its backing if the ruling party decides to accommodate the rebel faction of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in the state cabinet.
CPM's stance on cabinet expansion
Addressing a press conference in Tiruvarur, CPM state secretary P Shanmugam expressed his views on the matter. He said, “I think the TVK will not go to that extent (of accommodating AIADMK rebel group in the cabinet) and in the event of the TVK taking a stand of accommodating the AIADMK rebel group in the Council of Ministers, the CPM will then reconsider its stand of support to the TVK.” This statement was reported by the news agency PTI.
Reasoning behind support to TVK
Shanmugam explained that the party's support to the TVK government, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, was aimed at preventing President's Rule and what he termed as the “backdoor entry of the BJP’s rule” in the state. He elaborated that Tamil Nadu was not in a position to hold another election immediately, as the people's mandate had gone against both the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and AIADMK-led fronts. No party had secured a majority in the recent elections, and TVK, as the single largest party, formed the government with outside support from Left parties and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).
The arrangement was intended to ensure governance by a party elected by the people, Shanmugam noted. However, he emphasized that inducting AIADMK rebel members into the Council of Ministers would go against the mandate and the party's position on clean governance.
Floor test and current support
TVK had successfully cleared a floor test in the Assembly on May 13 with support from AIADMK rebels, expelled AMMK MLA Kamaraj, Left parties, VCK, and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The CPM's warning adds a new dimension to the political dynamics in Tamil Nadu, as the ruling party navigates its coalition relationships.
