‘Dummy horse regime’ EPS attacks CM Vijay’s TVK govt, calls it unstable

Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday launched a sharp attack on the TVK government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, describing it as a “dummy horse regime that could only last for some time” and accusing it of engaging in “horse-trading”.

EPS accuses TVK of ‘political horse-trading’

Targeting the ruling TVK, Palaniswami alleged that what was earlier projected as “pure sakthi” had turned into “evil sakthi” and was now involved in what he termed “horse-trading political business”. He further claimed that the party had betrayed the AIADMK.

The AIADMK leader said the party had carefully analysed the Assembly election results and accepted the mandate of the people, including its electoral setback.

“We were not demoralised even a bit due to this defeat as this is not permanent...this is a party that converts defeat into victory and thereby comes to power,” he said in a statement.

Remarks on election outcome and government formation

According to Palaniswami, the truth of the Assembly polls was that no single party secured a clear majority. He alleged that the TVK, which described itself as “clean sakthi”, ended up seeking support from DMK allies in order to survive politically, which he said reduced it to a “dummy horse” government.

“At the same time, the so-called pure sakthi transformed into an evil sakthi and conducted horse-trading political business,” he said, adding that the party had “stabbed on the back” of the AIADMK.

He also referred to what he described as speculation and misinformation after the polls, stating that false narratives were spread claiming that the AIADMK was planning to form a government with the DMK’s support. He stressed that AIADMK was founded in opposition to the DMK and said such claims were widely rejected by the public.

Allegations of defections and political allurements

Palaniswami further alleged that the TVK attempted to destabilise the AIADMK by luring some office-bearers with promises of positions, including ministerial posts. He claimed that this amounted to political inducement and horse-trading.

“For now, the TVK has formed a dummy horse (fake leg horse) government,” he alleged, adding that the government’s survival depended on support from multiple parties.

He further said, “the dance of the dummy horse, based on support from 5 parties, could last only for some time.”

Message to party cadre and election reflection

Using a Tamil saying beginning with “Vittil poochi,” Palaniswami urged party workers not to fall prey to opposition strategies and expressed confidence in AIADMK’s future prospects.

He said every political party faced internal challenges but maintained that AIADMK issues could be resolved through internal discussions. He appealed to cadres to remain united and trust the party’s leadership.

Assembly numbers and post-election scenario

In the 234-member Assembly, TVK secured 108 seats. It was supported by 25 AIADMK rebels, along with backing from the Congress (5), VCK, Left parties and IUML (2 seats each).

The DMK won 59 seats, while the AIADMK secured 47.

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who contested from two constituencies, retained Perambur and later resigned from Tiruchi-East.

EPS on AIADMK’s political future

Palaniswami said history would reflect that AIADMK had experienced both victories and setbacks but continued to maintain its influence among the people.

“In politics, some storms form and dissipate and the AIADMK is a party that could withstand all such things and people are aware of it,” he said.

He added that the party continues to follow the tradition laid down by founder MG Ramachandran, including taking action against betrayers while being open to reconciliation with those who repented.

Agency inputs