Chennai: In a further setback to the DMK-led opposition, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Saturday announced its withdrawal from the alliance, ending its long-standing ties that endured through multiple elections in Tamil Nadu. IUML national president Kader Mohideen thanked Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for accommodating IUML in his cabinet.
Decision to Leave DMK Alliance
The decision to quit the DMK-led secular progressive alliance was taken at the party’s general council meeting held in Chennai. The move comes just a month after Vijay formed the government following the assembly election. IUML, despite contesting in two seats—Papanasam and Vaniyambadi—on the DMK symbol and winning both, chose to align with TVK.
A total of 14 resolutions were passed in the general council meeting, with the 14th resolution addressing the withdrawal from the DMK alliance. The resolutions stated that IUML is part of the TVK government and, given the prevailing political situation, it could not continue within the DMK alliance.
Consultation with Stalin
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Kader Mohideen said the decision to join TVK was taken after discussions with former Chief Minister M K Stalin. “We approached Stalin and conveyed to him our decision on joining TVK. We discussed with Stalin several times before extending our support to TVK,” said Mohideen. “We informed him that if we don’t support TVK, there would be president’s rule and, indirectly, a BJP rule in Tamil Nadu. IUML shouldn’t become the reason for such a scenario, and hence we extended support to TVK,” he added.
Cabinet Berth and Support for TVK
In a significant post-election development, IUML MLA A M Shahjahan was inducted into the TVK-led government headed by Vijay and currently serves as the Minister for Minorities Welfare. Kader Mohideen thanked Vijay for making Shahjahan a cabinet colleague. “Though we have extended unconditional support to TVK, they gave us a cabinet berth, which we did not demand. We joined the cabinet after much discussion and deliberation. We thank Vijay for giving the cabinet berth,” Kader Mohideen said.
Future Electoral Strategy
Asked about IUML’s stand in the upcoming bypolls, Kader Mohideen indicated that they would support TVK. “IUML is part of the government, and henceforth, we wish that the good work by the TVK government should continue. We will cooperate with the TVK government not just in by-elections but also in local body elections, and hence the decision to quit the DMK alliance,” Kader Mohideen stated.
The IUML national president said they had not had the opportunity in the past to contest for Mayor and Municipal Chairman posts, but under the TVK government, IUML will try its best to secure such posts and contest in local body elections.
Response to Criticism
When asked about criticisms from the DMK, Kader Mohideen said DMK functionaries were their friends, and therefore, they did not mind those criticisms.
