DMK Exits INDIA Bloc Ahead of Key Meeting
CHENNAI: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has officially announced that it will no longer be part of the INDIA bloc. Party spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan shared this news on Thursday, following a press release from the DMK headquarters that confirmed the party’s decision not to attend the alliance meeting set for June 8 in Delhi.
This move comes after the Congress party, a long-time ally of DMK, ended its partnership with the Dravidian party to support the TVK-led government in Tamil Nadu. A statement from DMK indicated that party members were unhappy with Congress’s actions, especially after the recent assembly elections. To honor their feelings, DMK decided to skip the upcoming meeting that Congress would be attending.
Despite this exit, DMK leaders emphasized that their MPs would still back other parties in the alliance on important issues that affect the public.
There were earlier speculations about DMK not receiving an invitation for the meeting at the Constitutional Club in Delhi, casting doubt on its status within the INDIA bloc. However, DMK did receive an invitation.
In related news, reports have emerged that the Lok Sabha secretariat approved a new seating arrangement for DMK MPs, placing them away from Congress MPs. This change was initiated after DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi requested an adjustment due to the evolving political situation.
Previously, Congress had contested 28 seats as part of the DMK-led alliance, winning five. They have now supported the C. Joseph Vijay-led government in exchange for two ministerial positions. DMK leaders have described this move by Congress as a “backstab” and a betrayal.
While some members within Congress pushed for a power-sharing agreement, DMK managed to suppress this demand. However, after losing the elections, the TVK secured the support of former allies, including Congress, VCK, IUML, CPI, and CPM, to win a confidence vote. VCK and IUML have also joined the government as ministers.
