TVK Clarifies Stance on Inclusion of Rebel AIADMK Leaders in Tamil Nadu Cabinet
The Tamilaga Vetrik Kazhagam (TVK) has firmly stated its position against including rebel AIADMK leaders in the Tamil Nadu cabinet. This declaration follows a warning from CPI(M) that they would reconsider their support for TVK if such inclusion occurs. Minister Aadhav Arjun emphasized that AIADMK members would not be part of the cabinet, dismissing related reports as speculation. The coalition led by TVK remains intact, with Chief Minister Vijay expected to expand the cabinet soon. The dynamics of Tamil Nadu politics are shifting, as the DMK faces criticism for attempting to ally with AIADMK, contradicting previous statements made during the elections.
May 20, 2026, 16:35 IST
TVK's Position on AIADMK Rebel Leaders
The Tamilaga Vetrik Kazhagam (TVK) has made its position clear regarding the inclusion of rebel leaders from the AIADMK in the cabinet led by Chief Minister Vijay. This clarification comes a day after a stern warning from P. Shanmugam, the secretary of the Tamil Nadu CPI(M), who stated that if the rebel AIADMK leaders were inducted into the government, his party would reconsider its support for TVK.
Minister Aadhav Arjun of Tamil Nadu emphasized that AIADMK legislators would not be granted positions in the cabinet, labeling the related reports as mere speculation. When questioned about the coalition's future, Arjun affirmed that the alliance led by TVK remains intact and that Chief Minister Vijay is expected to expand the cabinet soon. He also criticized the DMK for attempting to ally with the AIADMK to form a government in Tamil Nadu.
Concerns Over Coalition Dynamics
Arjun noted that the Chief Minister desires a cabinet that operates cohesively, akin to a family. He expressed that parties providing support should have representation in the cabinet. He accused the DMK of trying to form an alliance with the AIADMK, which he claimed contradicts the public's decision. During the elections, the DMK had asserted that the AIADMK was under BJP control, yet later engaged in discussions to ally with them, abandoning their own ideology.
Shanmugam mentioned that the CPI(M) and VCK have jointly decided to reconsider their alliance with TVK if rebel members of the AIADMK are included in the cabinet. He further stated that they have extended support to Vijay's government from the outside and that VCK is free to make its own decision regarding participation in the government.
VCK's Stance on Cabinet Inclusion
Shanmugam reiterated that they had previously made it clear that if the AIADMK joins the Tamil Nadu cabinet, they would reassess their decision to support the state government. He noted that there has been no change in this stance. In response to Minister Aadhav Arjun's invitation for TVK to join the government, he stated that the leftist parties and VCK had collectively decided to provide support from the outside. He added that it is not necessary for VCK to adopt the same position as the leftist parties. If VCK believes an opportunity has arisen and wishes to take advantage of it, there is nothing wrong with that.