MDMK Ends Nine-Year Alliance With DMK in Major Chennai Political Shift

The MDMK has officially severed its nine-year partnership with the DMK-led alliance in Chennai. The party criticized its former ally's treatment and shifted its focus to addressing state issues, including water disputes, education funding, and government job vacancies under the new TVK administration.

In a significant political shift in Chennai, the MDMK has officially ended its nine-year alliance with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. The decision, finalized this past Saturday, signals a strategic move by the party, which has opted to keep its future coalition options open until the next electoral cycle. During the party's 32nd general council meeting, leadership expressed deep dissatisfaction, alleging that the DMK had undermined their party and compelled candidates to run under the DMK electoral symbol.

The MDMK general secretary, Vaiko, publicly addressed these grievances, highlighting the party's intent to navigate its own political path moving forward. Central to these discussions was the party's stance on the newly formed TVK government. The MDMK passed 23 resolutions, notably offering congratulations to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for his recent success and urging the new administration to remain steadfast in upholding Tamil Nadu's unique identity. They emphasized the importance of adhering to principles such as social justice, secularism, and state rights.

Policy Demands and State Concerns

Beyond the alliance break, the MDMK outlined a comprehensive list of demands directed at the current administration. A major point of contention remains the ongoing water dispute with Karnataka. The council reiterated its firm opposition to the proposed construction of a dam across the River Cauvery at Mekedatu, warning that current strategies for tribunal adjudication might inadvertently favor the neighboring state.

Regarding education and public health, the MDMK praised the TVK government's commitment to the two-language policy in state schools. However, they pressed the government to take a more aggressive stance in securing withheld educational funds from the Union Government. Furthermore, the party advocated for total prohibition in Tamil Nadu, acknowledging the recent closure of 717 liquor outlets but calling for the immediate cancellation of remaining bar licenses issued under the previous regime.

The party also sought to maximize state revenue, supporting efforts to redirect earnings from liquor, beer, and wine sales directly into the state treasury, aiming to generate an additional revenue boost of Rs 1,000 crore annually. Finally, the council demanded a transparent investigation into recent entrance examination scams, including NEET-related paper leaks, while calling for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. With an estimated 12 lakh job vacancies currently unfilled, the MDMK has urged the TVK government to prioritize recruitment to address the state's employment crisis.