Chennai: Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national president K M Kader Mohideen stated on Saturday that the party's general council will convene on June 20 to determine whether to remain in the DMK-led alliance. Speaking to reporters, Mohideen revealed that the DMK's alleged willingness to support Edappadi Palaniswami for the chief minister's post after the election results came as a shock to the IUML, contributing to the delay in extending support to the DMK.
Surprise Proposal
Mohideen noted that the proposal to back Palaniswami surprised the party. He remarked that if Vijay had indicated an inability to form the government, alternative discussions could have been warranted. However, such talks occurred prematurely, before any such declaration.
He also referenced discussions involving VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan. When questioned how Thirumavalavan could become chief minister without being an MLA, Mohideen was informed that he could enter the assembly within six months.
Historical Ties
Mohideen acknowledged that severing ties with the DMK is not easy for the IUML, given a relationship spanning from C N Annadurai through M Karunanidhi to M K Stalin. This statement marked a shift from his earlier stance earlier this month, where he publicly maintained that the IUML would remain in the DMK alliance, describing it as an ideological partnership beyond elections. Notably, the party was offered a ministerial berth by TVK.
Voter Mood Shift
Mohideen further claimed that IUML workers detected a shift in voter sentiment during campaigning in the Kolathur constituency, where DMK president MK Stalin lost. The party's women's wing, after door-to-door canvassing, reported that women were expressing different views, questioning whether the DMK would receive expected votes. This information was conveyed to the DMK leadership, though Mohideen said he is unaware of any subsequent action taken.
