Stalin says DMK respects allies’ move to support Vijay's TVK after hung verdict

Outgoing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin on Saturday (May 9) said his party respected the decision of its allies to back TVK chief Vijay in order to ensure a stable government in Tamil Nadu and avoid another election after the Assembly polls delivered a fractured verdict.

Taking to social media platform X after Congress, Left parties and the VCK extended support to the TVK, Stalin said the DMK-led alliance had failed to secure the numbers required to form the government despite receiving a “significant number of votes”.

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Stalin said the DMK would not stand in the way of a new government in Tamil Nadu and would function as a constructive Opposition, stressing the need for political stability in the state.

Stalin accepts allies’ decision

Referring to the fractured verdict, Stalin said several alternative political possibilities had emerged after no party secured a majority on its own.

“Whatever decision our allied parties take, I believed that we should respect their decision, act in coordination, ensure a stable government is formed, and not pave the way for another election,” he said.

Hailing the support extended by alliance partners to Vijay’s party, Stalin said he accepted their position that backing TVK was necessary to avoid a political crisis while continuing to remain part of the DMK-led secular progressive alliance.

“I welcome the announcement by our alliance comrades that ‘to avoid the current crisis, even if we express support for the Tamil Nadu Victory Federation to form the government, we continue in the DMK-led secular progressive alliance on the basis of policy’.”

In a reference to Congress breaking away from the DMK after the polls, Stalin said, “The Congress party severed ties with the DMK and proceeded.”

At the same time, he thanked Left leaders and VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan for continuing to stand with the DMK and support Tamil Nadu’s interests. “They will continue to join hands with the DMK and fight for the rights of Tamil Nadu and the welfare of the people,” Stalin said.

Appeal to continue schemes

He also expressed gratitude to several alliance leaders, including Professor Aaya Kather Mohideen, Annan Vaiko, Sister Premalatha Vijayakanth, Professor Jawahirlulla, Eswaran and Tamimun Ansari. “No amount of thanks or praise can suffice for their steadfastness,” he said.

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Highlighting the DMK government’s welfare initiatives over the last five years, Stalin said he hoped the incoming government would continue schemes introduced during his tenure. “It is my personal wish that the new government, which will be formed, continues those schemes, which were conceived with far-sighted thinking and rich planning,” he said.

He urged the incoming dispensation to continue welfare programmes for women, youth, students, children, marginalised communities and government employees. “If all schemes encompassing women, youth, students, children, marginalised people, and government employees continue to be implemented, the benefits to the people will persist, and the state will grow,” Stalin said.

He concluded by extending his wishes to the new government set to be formed in Tamil Nadu. “Once again, I extend my best wishes to the new government that will be formed,” he said.