VCK, IUML join Vijay Cabinet as DMK faces political isolation

Staring at growing political isolation after several former allies joined the TVK government led by Chief Minister Vijay on Friday, the opposition DMK vented its frustration, with former Union Minister and DMK MP A. Raja drawing criticism for remarks seen as lowering the level of political discourse.

In the second consecutive Cabinet expansion, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), led by Thol Thirumavalavan, and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) were inducted into the ministry, strengthening the stability of the government. VCK leader Vanni Arasu was allotted the Social Justice portfolio, while IUML’s A.M. Shajahan was given charge of Minorities Welfare.

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With the VCK joining the ministry, Dalit representation in the TVK government has risen to eight ministers — a record in Tamil Nadu’s political history. It also marks the first time that the IUML, long considered a loyal ally of the DMK, has entered the corridors of power.

The induction of the VCK and IUML follows the Congress party’s decision to align with the TVK soon after the election results, effectively breaking ranks with the DMK without hesitation.

As a result, the Dravidian major is now left with only the CPI, CPI(M) and the DMDK led by Premalatha Vijayakanth as significant allies. Even among them, the CPI(M) had earlier accused the DMK of attempting to engage with the AIADMK to form a government while denying the TVK, the single-largest party, an opportunity to stake claim.

Angered by the desertion of its allies and its increasing political isolation, the DMK launched a sharp attack on the parties that crossed over. This has triggered a war of words involving the DMK, VCK and TVK. Political observers believe that Vanni Arasu, known for his articulate interventions, could become a major asset for the TVK in countering both the DMK and AIADMK inside the Assembly.

Expressing his displeasure in a now-deleted post on X, A. Raja courted controversy by stating: “If the ladder (IUML’s symbol), which helped one climb up, and the panther (VCK), which was expected to dismantle caste, are now propping up the whistle (TVK symbol), it is nothing but going to bed with another while disregarding the one who tied the nuptial knot.”

In another post, Raja remarked: “How can it be called politics if the coconut tree in my garden leans over and bears fruit for the opposite house? In Tamil, it is called a crooked palm.”

The comments predictably triggered strong reactions from both the TVK and VCK, with leaders from the two parties terming them the “height of insolence” and an example of the DMK’s arrogance. Warning Raja against such attacks, VCK leader S.S. Balaji said, “If we reveal the truth, you will be consumed in the fire.”