Nothing wrong if VCK decides to join government, says CPI(M) leader P. Shanmugam

CPI (M) State Secretary P. Shanmugam participates in a demonstration to condemn the hike in the prices of petroleum products in Chennai on May 20, 2026. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M) State Secretary P. Shanmugam on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) said there was nothing wrong if the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) decided to join the government headed by Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C. Joseph Vijay.

“If they (VCK) think there is an opportunity and it should be taken, there is nothing wrong with it,” he said after attending a demonstration in Chennai organized by Left parties to condemn the hike in the prices of petroleum products.

Mr Shanmugam said the CPI(M), Communist Party of India (CPI) and VCK had decided to support TVK from outside. “If the VCK wants to enter the government, it is up to the party leadership to decide. I hope they will discuss it with us. There is no need for them to stick to the leftist line on this issue,” he said.

However, he made it clear that the Left parties will reconsider their decision to support the TVK government if it decides to include All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) legislators in the cabinet.

CPI state secretary M. Veerapandian said all the three parties had taken the same stand – supporting the TVK government from outside. “We must respect the people’s verdict, avoid further elections and, above all, the imposition of presidential rule,” he said.

Mr. Veerapandian said that the support of the Left parties and the VCK was enough for the TVK government and that he need not think about it. “The chief minister should think about our proposal,” he said.

The two leaders said that the increase in the prices of petroleum products will have a direct impact on the cost of basic commodities and the sale of gas cylinders at prices much higher than the market rate.

“The prime minister who advised people to avoid travel should follow that first,” Mr Shanmugam said.

Mr. Veerapandian said the rich, corporations and the ruling class were not ready to accept austerity measures but expected the common people to follow.

Published – 20 May 2026 20:13 IST