Chennai, Oct 27:
The Left parties supporting the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government from outside have indicated that a return to the DMK-led alliance remains an option, citing differences with Chief Minister Vijay over his response to the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), as well as his silence on allegations of “vote chori”.
CPI state secretary M Veerapandian said the Left parties’ political alignment would depend on a party’s commitment to opposing the BJP and the RSS. He argued that the TVK leadership should speak more openly against what the Left describes as threats to parliamentary democracy and the country’s pluralistic character.
Questioning Vijay’s silence on the issue, Veerapandian said the participation of TVK Ministers in protests against alleged electoral irregularities was not enough. He maintained that Vijay, as Chief Minister and leader of the party, should publicly articulate his position. Veerapandian also pointed to the DMK’s vocal opposition to “vote chori” and described it as a secular party with a substantial mass base.
The CPI leader clarified that the Left parties were not formally in an alliance with the TVK. The CPI and CPI(M), which have two MLAs each, contested the Assembly election as part of the DMK-led front. Their decision to extend outside support to the TVK government, he said, was intended to prevent a situation in which the BJP could exercise influence through the Governor after the TVK fell short of a majority.
The Left parties have also expressed reservations about certain government decisions. The CPI(M) criticised a circular concerning government employees expressing opinions or criticising the policies of the State and Union governments. The Left has also demanded the withdrawal of an earlier government order relating to the construction of a Secretariat complex near the Pattinapakkam coast, close to the Marina. Veerapandian also led a protest by fisherfolk over the issue.
The latest remarks follow the TVK’s victories in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-elections. The Left parties contested both constituencies but finished fifth and forfeited their deposits, according to the report. The TVK-led alliance includes former DMK allies such as the Congress, VCK and IUML, under the banner “Secular, Social Justice Victory Alliance”.
The Left’s position places pressure on the TVK government to clarify its stance on national political issues while continuing to depend on outside support. Whether Vijay responds to the demands or the Left parties reconsider their political alignment remains to be seen.