Vijay’s Rise Sparks DMK-AIADMK Alliance Speculation In Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu politics witnessed dramatic developments after a faction of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MLAs led by senior leader C. V. Shanmugam announced support for Chief Minister Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government. During the announcement, Shanmugam also revealed that discussions had taken place regarding a possible post-poll understanding between long-time rivals Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and AIADMK, something once considered politically unimaginable in the state.

The political situation intensified after TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the Assembly with 108 seats but fell short of the majority mark in the 234-member House. The DMK secured 59 seats while the AIADMK won 47 seats, resulting in a fractured mandate and triggering intense political negotiations among major parties.

Shanmugam alleged that proposals for cooperation between AIADMK and DMK had surfaced after the election results, reportedly to prevent Vijay from forming the government. He claimed that some within the AIADMK leadership were exploring political arrangements that went against the party’s core ideology established by M. G. Ramachandran and later strengthened by J. Jayalalithaa.

According to Shanmugam, many legislators and party cadres opposed any move towards aligning with the DMK. He stated that supporting Vijay was seen as respecting the people’s verdict while also preventing what dissident leaders viewed as a compromise of AIADMK’s long-standing political identity.

The rebellion inside AIADMK has exposed growing cracks within the party following its disappointing election performance. Several senior leaders and MLAs reportedly skipped post-election review meetings organised by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, further fuelling speculation about internal dissatisfaction and future leadership battles within the party.