MDMK Ends 9-Year Alliance with DMK, Pledges Support to TVK Government

The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) has officially ended its nine-year-long alliance with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. The decision was taken unanimously during the party's 32nd General Council meeting held in Chennai on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

MDMK General Secretary Vaiko announced that the party will now support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The MDMK will also abstain from contesting the upcoming by-elections to back the ruling party.

The general council passed 23 resolutions, with the primary one focusing on the exit from the DMK alliance. According to the resolution, the move was prompted by post-election developments where arrangements were allegedly made to bring the AIADMK, which won 47 seats in alliance with the BJP, into power. Party executives expressed unwillingness to continue the partnership, leading to the formal exit. Vaiko stated that the decision was unanimous.

Vaiko noted that leaders from parties including the CPI(M) and IUML had exposed backroom arrangements to help the AIADMK form the government. He remarked that such an outcome would have been a 'political fraud', but did not provide evidence.

Notably, both of MDMK's sitting MLAs — R. Senthilselvan (Sirkazhi) and T.M. Rajendran (Kadayanallur) — were absent from the meeting. Vaiko clarified that Senthilselvan had stated he joined the DMK, while Rajendran indicated he would remain with the MDMK.

Vaiko revealed that Chief Minister Vijay had promised to personally campaign for the MDMK if the two MLAs resigned to trigger by-elections. However, the MLAs refused to resign.

Explaining the shift towards TVK, Vaiko said the MDMK chose to support the government because it operates free of 'corruption and commission' and adheres to the principles of leader C.N. Annadurai. He added that the party will support the TVK government and not contest by-elections, aiming to build friendship for local body elections.

The party's principal secretary, Durai Vaiko, was also absent from the meeting, citing a visit to an unwell acquaintance.