CHENNAI: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has officially exited the opposition INDIA bloc, party spokesperson T K S Elangovan confirmed on Thursday. The announcement came hours after the DMK headquarters released a press statement declaring that the party would not participate in the alliance meeting scheduled for June 8 in Delhi.
Reason for Exit
The decision follows Congress, a long-time ally of the DMK, severing ties with the Dravidian party to join the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government in Tamil Nadu. A DMK statement read: "DMK cadres were upset at Congress betraying the party after the assembly election. To give respect to their sentiments, DMK will not participate in the INDIA bloc meeting. In short, DMK will not participate in the meeting in which Congress participates."
Parliamentary Support
DMK leaders clarified that while they are withdrawing from the INDIA bloc, their Members of Parliament would continue to support other alliance parties on issues affecting public welfare. Earlier, speculation had arisen that the DMK might not be invited to the meeting at the Constitutional Club in Delhi, as its continued membership in the bloc was uncertain. However, the party did receive an invitation.
Seating Arrangement Change
In a related development, the Lok Sabha secretariat has approved a request to seat DMK MPs separately from Congress MPs in the lower house. This move followed a letter from DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, citing changed political circumstances. New seats for DMK MPs are yet to be assigned.
Political Context
Congress contested 28 seats as part of the DMK-led alliance and won five. In return for supporting the TVK-led government, Congress secured two ministerial berths. DMK leaders described this action as "backstabbing" and "betrayal." A faction within Congress had been demanding power-sharing; the DMK had previously managed to suppress this demand. However, after the alliance lost the assembly polls, TVK, with 108 seats, garnered support from former allies including Congress, VCK, IUML, CPI, and CPM to win a confidence vote. VCK and IUML have also joined the government, each receiving one ministerial portfolio.
