CHENNAI: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is no longer part of the INDIA bloc, party spokesperson TKS Elangovan confirmed on Thursday. He made the statement to ANI, hours after DMK headquarters issued a press release stating that the party would not participate in the alliance meeting scheduled to be held in Delhi on June 8.
Decision After Congress Severed Ties
The decision came after the Congress, a long-time DMK ally, severed its ties with the Dravidian party to join the TVK-led government in Tamil Nadu. In a statement, DMK said, "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."
DMK MPs to Support Other Allies
DMK functionaries clarified that its Members of Parliament would, however, continue to support other parties in the alliance when they raise issues affecting the common good. Earlier, there were rumors that DMK might not be invited for the meeting in Delhi since it was uncertain whether it remained in the bloc. The party had indeed received an invitation.
Seating Arrangement Changed in Lok Sabha
Meanwhile, PTI reported that the Lok Sabha secretariat had approved a request to seat DMK MPs away from Congress members. The move came after DMK's Kanimozhi Karunanidhi wrote to Speaker Om Birla requesting a change in the seating arrangement in view of the changed political circumstances. DMK MPs have yet to be assigned new seats.
Congress 'Betrayal' Sparks Outrage
Congress, which contested 28 seats as part of the DMK-led alliance and won five, supported the C Joseph Vijay-led government in return for two ministerial berths. DMK functionaries called this action "backstabbing" and "betrayal." The alliance lost the polls, and TVK, with 108 seats, garnered support from Congress, VCK, IUML, CPI, and CPM to win the confidence vote. VCK and IUML have also joined the government, each securing one ministerial position.
