TVK took advantage of public discontent with DMK, says Shanmugam
P Shanmugam, state secretary of the CPI(M), an electoral ally of the erstwhile ruling DMK, on Friday challenged the narrative that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had seized power through social media reels and that it was a “war government” rather than a “real government”.
Mr. Shanmugam, whose party extended external support to the C. Joseph Vijay-led coalition government, said the TVK had effectively exploited public discontent with the DMK.
“People felt the adverse impact of the neoliberal policies implemented by the BJP and DMK governments. They were concerned about concentration of wealth, extraction of mineral resources, corruption and crimes against women and children. TVK highlighted the DMK government’s failure to fulfill several of its promises and the delay in implementing others. The DMK should realize that social schemes alone are not enough to satisfy the political people,” Climate said. CPI(M), published in the mouthpiece of the party.
According to him, the TVK, which failed to achieve a majority in forming the government, had made strong commitments to secularism and inclusive government in its letter to the CPI(M) seeking its support. “They reiterated these commitments when we fulfilled them. Considering all these factors, we decided to support the TVK government,” he said.
Mr. Shanmugam said the CPI(M) would welcome the implementation of social measures and policies that would benefit the people along with the promises made by Mr. Vijay.
“If the government introduces anti-people measures, the party will stand up and fight against them,” he said.
He also made it clear that the CPI(M) is under no illusion that people’s problems can be fully resolved by just winning a few seats in Parliament or the State Assembly.
“However, legislatures provide a platform to raise people’s issues and expose the wrongdoings of those in power,” he said.
He reiterated the claim that by extending support to TVK, his party prevented the imposition of President’s Rule or the formation of an AIADMK government with DMK support.
Responding to sharp criticism leveled at the CPI(M) by DMK supporters and sympathizers, Mr Shanmugam said the proposal to form the AIADMK government with DMK support was driven by the agenda that no political force other than Dravidian parties should be allowed to come to power.
“The purpose of the motion was to ensure the continuation of the Dravidian Party government. Does it in any way represent the interests of Tamil Nadu?” he asked.
He said that the youth of Tamil Nadu had learned from their lived experience and voted for a new political alternative. “All over the world, both left and right parties have come to power. We have witnessed the role played by the youth in bringing about political change in countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka. Is it right to deny such a change in Tamil Nadu?” he asked.
Published – 19 Jun 2026 21:16 IST