Chennai, Sept 5:
The CPM appears to have softened its position on the recent circular controversy involving the Tamil Nadu government, even as the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam prepares to formally expand its political alliance at a meeting on September 9.
CPM state secretary P Shanmugam appeared to give a clean chit to the TVK government after a delegation of ministers met him on Friday and invited the party to the September 9 meeting.
According to Shanmugam’s post on X, the TVK ministers told him that the actions of the Chief Secretary and the Gujiliamparai tehsildar in the controversial episode were mistakes committed by officials and that the issue had not come to the government’s attention. The ministers also expressed regret and assured him that such an incident would not recur.
The development marks a shift from the CPM’s earlier position, when Shanmugam had questioned the role of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and demanded action against the Chief Secretary.
The TVK is now preparing to formally expand its political front on September 9 and is expected to announce the name of the alliance. Discussions are also under way on the leadership and organisational structure of the proposed front.
Sources said Vijay is being considered for the top leadership position, while MDMK general secretary Vaiko could be given a coordinating or organisational role in view of his political experience. The final arrangement is expected to be decided after consultations with alliance partners.
TVK ministers N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, R Nirmalkumar and Rajmohan met CPI state secretary M Veerapandian, CPM state secretary P Shanmugam and MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Friday and invited them to the September 9 meeting.
The CPI and CPM have not yet formally decided whether to join the TVK-led front. The Left parties had stayed away from the first consultative meeting held at Kovalam on July 1.
The TVK is also expected to hold discussions with the VCK and Congress. Several names are reportedly under consideration for the alliance, including “Secular Vettri Alliance”, with “Vettri” likely to figure in the final name.