MDMK ends nine year alliance with DMK; MLA Senthil Selvam likely to join Stalin's party
The MDMK on Saturday formally announced its decision to sever ties with the DMK-led alliance, bringing to an end a political partnership that had lasted for nearly nine years.
IANS
Jun 27, 2026 05:05
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Chennai, June 27 (IANS) The MDMK on Saturday formally announced its decision to sever ties with the DMK-led alliance, bringing to an end a political partnership that had lasted for nearly nine years.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the party’s General Council and high-level committee held at its headquarters in Egmore, Chennai.
The meeting was chaired by the party’s auditor, Arjunaraj, and attended by MDMK general secretary Vaiko and other senior leaders.
Party sources said the leadership adopted a resolution withdrawing from the DMK alliance after deliberating on the party’s future political course and differences with its ally.
The development comes amid reports that Sirkazhi MLA M. Senthil Selvan, one of the party’s two legislators elected on the DMK’s Rising Sun symbol in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, is preparing to join the DMK.
Significantly, Senthil Selvan was absent from Saturday’s General Council meeting, fuelling speculation about his next political move.
The MDMK had contested the Sirkazhi and Kadayanallur Assembly constituencies on the DMK’s symbol as part of the alliance arrangement and won both seats.
However, differences reportedly surfaced after the election over the party’s political direction and its evolving stand on the ruling TVK government.
Sources within the party said Senthil Selvan was opposed to the leadership’s position on several issues.
According to party insiders, Senthil Selvan has decided not to resign as an MLA. If he formally joins the DMK, he is expected to continue as the legislator from Sirkazhi, as he was elected on the DMK’s election symbol.
The General Council also passed a strongly worded resolution accusing the DMK of attempting to cultivate ties with its long-time rival, the AIADMK.
The resolution claimed it was “an open secret” that the DMK had explored the possibility of forging an understanding with the AIADMK, a move the MDMK described as politically unacceptable.
Another notable absence at the meeting was that of Durai Vaiko, whose decision to stay away has triggered further speculation over internal differences within the party.
With the MDMK formally walking out of the alliance, Tamil Nadu’s Opposition political landscape is set for a significant realignment ahead of future electoral battles.
