Chennai, March 22(HS): In a major political development ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Tamil Nadu Vazhvurimai Party (TNVP), led by T. Velmurugan, has announced its exit from the DMK-led alliance, citing dissatisfaction over seat-sharing negotiations and the government’s failure to address key demands.
The decision comes at a crucial juncture, with alliance talks intensifying across parties. Velmurugan made it clear that his party could no longer continue in the coalition after differences with the DMK leadership remained unresolved.
At the heart of the fallout was a disagreement over electoral seats. TNVP had sought at least two constituencies along with the freedom to contest under its own symbol. However, the DMK is understood to have offered only one seat, which Velmurugan viewed as inadequate representation for his party.
Tensions escalated further after the TNVP placed a 10-point charter of demands before the DMK, linking its continuation in the alliance to the government’s willingness to act on these issues.
The demands included a 10.5% internal reservation for the Vanniyar community, a caste-based census in Tamil Nadu, and prioritisation of Tamils in state government employment. According to Velmurugan, these issues were central to his party’s ideological position.
Announcing the break, Velmurugan criticised the DMK government for failing to take meaningful action on social justice concerns raised by TNVP both inside and outside the Assembly. He said the change in government had not translated into change on the ground.
He also questioned the DMK’s commitment to social justice, particularly over its delay in conducting a caste census, and accused it of ignoring structural inequalities.
Ruling out any tie-up with the BJP-led alliance, Velmurugan said the TNVP would seek new political partners who are willing to accept its demands. He indicated that talks were already in progress and a decision on future alliances would be made soon.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
