In a significant political development ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) on Sunday announced its withdrawal from the DMK-led alliance, citing unmet demands and differences over seat-sharing.
TVK founder T Velmurugan made the announcement at the party’s headquarters in Virugambakkam, Chennai. He said the decision followed the failure of the DMK to address the party’s 10-point charter of demands.
“We have been part of the DMK alliance since the 2019 Parliamentary elections. For the upcoming Assembly polls, the DMK offered us one seat with some flexibility regarding the constituency. However, TVK has its own ideology and principles,” Velmurugan said.
He added that the party had submitted a 10-point charter focused on issues affecting farmers, students, and women, which, he claimed, the DMK government had “completely ignored.” According to Velmurugan, the DMK’s negotiating committee conveyed that insisting on specific demands was not compatible with the nature of the alliance.
Velmurugan also criticised the state government on multiple fronts, alleging that governance in Tamil Nadu was increasingly being driven by bureaucrats rather than elected representatives. He further claimed that certain elements within the administration were promoting “fascist ideologies.”
Referring to the proposed coal mining project in Neyveli, he alleged that the initiative — being pursued in coordination with the Centre — would lead to the demolition of homes and places of worship, affecting local communities.
The TVK leader also accused the DMK of failing to uphold social justice, pointing to the absence of a caste-based census and lack of progress on the 10.5 per cent reservation demand for the Vanniyar community.
Despite the sharp criticism, Velmurugan expressed gratitude to Chief Minister MK Stalin for the opportunity to serve as part of the alliance over the past five years. He also thanked leaders of allied parties who had reached out to him.
Announcing the party’s next steps, Velmurugan said TVK would soon outline its electoral strategy after consulting with like-minded organisations and parties that support its demands. He clarified that the party would not join the BJP-led NDA alliance.
The development is expected to add a new dimension to the evolving political landscape in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
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