The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) has officially ended its association with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. This significant decision came during the party’s 32nd General Council meeting held in Chennai on Saturday, June 27, 2026, where a formal resolution to withdraw from the coalition was passed unanimously.

MDMK General Secretary Vaiko announced that the party will now support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government and will refrain from contesting the upcoming by-elections to show solidarity with the ruling party.

Key Resolutions and Rationale

The general council ratified a total of 23 resolutions, with the most noteworthy being the exit from the DMK alliance. The decision stemmed from post-election developments that suggested arrangements were allegedly made to install the AIADMK — which secured only 47 seats in its alliance with the BJP — into power. In this context, a significant majority of party executives expressed their unwillingness to continue in the coalition, leading to the formal exit.

“Everyone who spoke at the general council advocated for leaving the DMK alliance,” Mr. Vaiko shared, emphasizing that the decision was unanimous.

Mr. Vaiko reflected on MDMK’s nine-year commitment to the DMK alliance, mentioning that leaders from various parties, including CPI(M) and IUML, had revealed backroom deals aimed at helping the AIADMK secure the government. He cautioned that such actions would amount to a significant “political fraud.”

Absentee MLAs and Future Actions

Interestingly, both of MDMK’s sitting MLAs, R. Senthilselvan from Sirkazhi and T.M. Rajendran from Kadayanallur, were notably absent from this pivotal meeting. In response to inquiries regarding their absence, Mr. Vaiko clarified that R. Senthilselvan had already declared his allegiance to the DMK, while Kadayanallur MLA T.M. Rajendran had committed to remain with the party.

Moreover, Mr. Vaiko noted that during a meeting with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, the Chief Minister had assured him that he would personally campaign for the MDMK if the two MLAs decided to resign and trigger by-elections. However, it was pointed out that the MLAs refused to resign.

Pledge to the TVK Government

Elaborating on the MDMK’s shift towards the TVK, Mr. Vaiko stated that the party opted to support Chief Minister Vijay’s administration, citing its commitment to operate without “corruption and commission.” He emphasized alignment with the foundational principles set by socio-political leader C.N. Annadurai.

Having severed ties with the DMK alliance, Mr. Vaiko confirmed MDMK’s intention to support the TVK government. He reiterated that the party would not contest the by-elections but would instead back the TVK, focusing future efforts on establishing a collaborative relationship with the TVK for local body elections.