MDMK quits DMK alliance after nine years, setback for Stalin
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The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) has formally ended its nine-year alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), marking a political setback for former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's party.
The decision was taken at the MDMK's general council meeting on Thursday.
While the party did not formally announce that it would join the ruling TVK-led alliance, its resolutions welcomed Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's government and urged it to fulfil key election promises, including maintaining a corruption-free administration and safeguarding Tamil Nadu's interests on issues such as the Mekedatu dam project.
Explaining its decision, the MDMK alleged that there had been attempts to weaken the party and claimed there was "a secret plan to enable the AIADMK to form the government", making it impossible to continue in the DMK-led alliance.
The DMK rejected the allegations. Party leader Syed Hafeezullah said the DMK had enabled the MDMK to secure representation in both the Assembly and Parliament. He also blamed the party's internal leadership transition, saying the elevation of Vaiko's son, Durai Vaiko, had contributed to the MDMK's weakening.
The MDMK's exit is tempered by the fact that its two MLAs, who were elected on the DMK's Rising Sun symbol in the 2026 Assembly election, boycotted the general council meeting after indicating they would remain with the DMK. Their decision means the ruling TVK's legislative strength will not immediately increase even if the MDMK formally joins the alliance.
Signs of the split had emerged earlier when the MDMK abstained during the TVK government's trust vote. The move was followed by meetings between MDMK chief Vaiko, MP Durai Vaiko, Chief Minister Vijay, and senior TVK leaders.
The development comes amid growing calls within the DMK for the party to contest future elections independently. The idea was first raised by DMK MP Kanimozhi and later supported by party MP A. Raja.
Vaiko, once regarded as the political protégé of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, was expelled from the DMK in 1993. Since then, the MDMK has alternated between aligning with and opposing the DMK, with the latest decision marking another break in the relationship.