Tamil Nadu Ally VCK to Exit DMK Alliance, Join Ruling TVK Front

Chennai: The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) is set to formally exit the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance and join the front led by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), sources confirmed on Tuesday. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan is expected to announce the decision later today.

The VCK, along with other DMK allies including the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), had previously supported the TVK after the April-May Assembly elections. The TVK, contesting its first election, won 108 of 234 seats, falling short of a majority by 10. The VCK's two seats, combined with five from Congress and others from left parties and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), enabled Vijay to form the government, making him the first actor-chief minister since J. Jayalalithaa.

MLAs from these supporting parties were inducted into the cabinet, though only the IUML and CPM have formally left the DMK alliance so far. The VCK's departure will further strain ties with the DMK, led by M.K. Stalin.

Following the announcement, the VCK will attend a meeting hosted by the TVK, which is seen as an effort to strengthen the ruling coalition. The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), another longstanding DMK ally, may also be invited. The MDMK recently ended its nine-year alliance with the DMK, with party chief Vaiko citing attempts to weaken his party and alleged secret plans to allow the opposition AIADMK to form the government. However, two MDMK MLAs elected with DMK support have indicated they will remain with the DMK, meaning the MDMK's legislative strength may not increase if it joins the TVK.