Vaiko Meets CM Vijay this evening: alliance speculation

Chennai: Even as the AIADMK crisis deepens with the exit of five MLAs, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko met Chief Minister Joseph Vijay this afternoon amid speculation that an alliance between the MDMK and TVK may be a possibility. Four AIADMK MLAs have resigned from their membership and extended support to CM Vijay. Another AIADMK MLA resigned on June 16 and is also likely to support the Chief Minister.

Vaiko-Vijay Meeting Fuels Alliance Speculation

MDMK, which is presently an ally of the DMK, extending friendly gestures towards the ruling TVK alliance has led to speculation about a realignment of political forces in the state. The surprise meeting between Vaiko and Joseph Vijay today is being interpreted in different ways. What transpired between the two leaders is not known, but the meeting assumed significance as the MDMK was reportedly unhappy about remaining in the DMK front.

MDMK Leaders Expressed Discontent With DMK

Both Vaiko and MDMK Principal Secretary and Lok Sabha member Durai Vaiko had openly expressed their displeasure over contesting four seats in the recent elections under the DMK symbol at the latter's insistence.

Vaiko Downplays Political Significance Of Meeting

Stating that he had come to invite the Chief Minister to a book release function, Vaiko sought to play down the political significance of the meeting and said the party's General Council meeting on June 27 would discuss all issues and take a decision.

Vijay Government Relies On Coalition Support

It may be noted that Chief Minister Vijay is currently running a coalition government with like-minded parties after no single party secured a majority in the Assembly. In the 234-member state Assembly, Vijay's TVK won 108 seats. The government is functioning with a slender majority, supported by Congress, IUML, CPI and other allies since taking office last month.