Regional allies hold key influence as major parties explore possible post-election alliances
Chennai
The political landscape in Tamil Nadu has entered a crucial phase as the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi emerge as decisive forces in determining the formation of the next government in the state.
Their support is expected to play a pivotal role in deciding whether actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) can secure power or whether an alternative arrangement involving the DMK and AIADMK may take shape.
Amid the ongoing uncertainty following the Assembly election results, M. K. Stalin on Thursday held a series of high-level discussions with CPI-M State Secretary P. Shanmugam, CPI State Secretary M. Veerapandian, and VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan at his residence on Cenotaph Road in Chennai.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, Stalin explored the possibility of the DMK extending support to the AIADMK in an effort to facilitate government formation and prevent prolonged political instability in the state. The move is being viewed as a significant development in Tamil Nadu politics, considering the traditional rivalry between the two Dravidian parties.
The current political deadlock has arisen because no party or alliance has succeeded in crossing the majority mark of 118 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. With numbers falling short for all major contenders, smaller parties and allies have suddenly gained immense importance in the post-election scenario.
The CPI-M, CPI, and VCK together hold six MLAs, making their collective decision crucial in the ongoing political negotiations. Sources indicated that leaders of both communist parties informed Stalin that their respective state committees would deliberate on the issue during meetings scheduled for Friday before arriving at a final decision.
Political observers believe the coming days could witness intense backroom negotiations as parties attempt to stitch together a stable coalition government in Tamil Nadu.