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Politics
VCK chief blames DMK for failing to retain party, exits alliance
✍️ India Today
🗓 12 Sep 2026, 04:37 AM
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VCK leader Thirumavalavan said the DMK made no effort to keep the party in the coalition, prompting VCK’s withdrawal from the alliance.
The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) announced its exit from the DMK-led coalition in Tamil Nadu, citing a lack of effort by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to retain the party within the alliance. The decision comes ahead of the upcoming state elections, where the alliance had previously projected a united front against rival parties.
VCK chief Thirumavalavan told reporters that the DMK did not approach VCK with any concrete proposal or dialogue to address the party's concerns, adding that "no effort was made to retain us". He said the move was necessary to preserve VCK’s political autonomy and to protect its core voter base.
The DMK has not issued an official response to the allegation, but senior party members are reported to be in talks with other regional partners to fill the void left by VCK. Analysts suggest that VCK’s departure could alter the dynamics of the electoral contest, especially in constituencies where the party commands significant support.
Political observers note that the split underscores growing strains within the coalition, as smaller parties seek greater influence in seat-sharing negotiations. The realignment may force both the DMK and VCK to recalibrate their campaign strategies ahead of the polls.
VCK chief Thirumavalavan told reporters that the DMK did not approach VCK with any concrete proposal or dialogue to address the party's concerns, adding that "no effort was made to retain us". He said the move was necessary to preserve VCK’s political autonomy and to protect its core voter base.
The DMK has not issued an official response to the allegation, but senior party members are reported to be in talks with other regional partners to fill the void left by VCK. Analysts suggest that VCK’s departure could alter the dynamics of the electoral contest, especially in constituencies where the party commands significant support.
Political observers note that the split underscores growing strains within the coalition, as smaller parties seek greater influence in seat-sharing negotiations. The realignment may force both the DMK and VCK to recalibrate their campaign strategies ahead of the polls.