Chennai: The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) has become the latest ally of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to voice criticism against the major party, fueling speculation about the future of the alliance. MDMK general secretary Vaiko expressed that the party was 'forced' to contest under the DMK's Rising Sun symbol in the recent assembly election, causing anguish among its cadres.
Vaiko's Remarks on Alliance Constraints
Speaking to reporters in Chennai on the sidelines of a protest against the Mekedatu dam project, Vaiko detailed the constraints faced during alliance talks. 'They forced us both in terms of the number of seats and the symbol. Initially, they insisted that we contest on the Rising Sun symbol in three constituencies. We wanted to contest in our own symbol in one constituency, but towards the end they compelled us to contest on the Rising Sun symbol even in the fourth seat,' he said.
Seat Allocation Disparity
Vaiko also highlighted the disparity in seat allocation among allies. Without naming parties, he stated that one ally was allotted 28 seats and assured a Rajya Sabha berth (Congress), another was given 10 seats and a Rajya Sabha seat (DMDK), one more got eight seats, while two other parties (CPI and CPM) received five each. MDMK was allotted only four seats. 'Only IUML received fewer seats than us. Party workers were deeply anguished. Durai Vaiko reflected the sentiment of our cadres in his speech,' he added.
MDMK's Internal Review
The remarks come a day after Vaiko's son and MP Durai Vaiko expressed regret that MDMK was unable to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government because it 'unfortunately' contested under the DMK symbol. While other allies like VCK, IUML, and left parties have extended support to the TVK government, MDMK has stated that it would decide on the alliance during the party's general council meeting on June 27.
MDMK functionaries indicated that the electoral dependence on DMK has diluted the party's independent identity and hindered organisational growth. Vaiko stopped short of announcing an immediate break with DMK but made it clear that the party would undertake a comprehensive review of its future course. 'We will not take a hasty decision. We will hear the views of all party functionaries at the general council meeting and decide on the work to be undertaken in the future,' he said.
Impact on DMK's Alliance
If MDMK chooses to leave the alliance, the DMK will be left with DMDK alone as its major ally. The growing discontent among allies poses a challenge to the DMK's coalition strength in Tamil Nadu politics.
