Vijay's TVK dismisses talks of joining NDA

Actor Vijay-led Tamilagam Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has put an end to speculation around the party joining the AIADMK-led NDA alliance, ahead of the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.

In a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter), TVK General Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar blamed the ruling DMK for using news outlets and social media to spread rumours about a possible tie-up with the AIADMK-BJP alliance. "Their intention is to divert everyone's attention from public issues," he claimed.

Kumar also urged party members to only follow official announcements made at events and not indulge in any speculation.

His post on 'X' followed reports that suggested the BJP was making a last-minute push to include the popular actor's party in the NDA alliance.

Sources told India Today TV that TVK district secretaries had discussed joining a pre-poll alliance during a recent meeting. However, many functionaries opined that the party must either go solo or join an alliance led by the actor-turned-politician.

While the TVK has squashed reports of an alliance with the NDA, the party was hoping to form an alliance with the Congress. However, sources told India Today TV that DMK MP Kanimozhi’s intervention led to the Congress patching up with its long-time Dravidian ally.

Interestingly, TVK had also supported the Congress's demand for more power in Tamil Nadu. The move, which came amid the seat-sharing talks between the Congress and the ruling DMK, created a flutter in political circles.

Recalling the political scenario after the 2006 Assembly results, Kumar had said, "It was a minority government. Kalaignar promised power-sharing and formed the government, but Sonia Gandhi forgave it. Had Sonia Gandhi wanted, she could have ended the government then. If not for the Congress, the DMK could not have come to power."

Formed in February 2024, the Vijay-led party has added a new dimension to Tamil Nadu's bipolar and Dravidian-focused political system. Tamil Nadu, which has 234 Assembly constituencies, is expected to vote in April or May this year.

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