TVK invites allies to join CM Vijay’s Cabinet, slams DMK-ADMK ‘backdoor’ attempts

Chennai: In a major political move, Tamil Nadu Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Adhav Arjuna on Wednesday formally invited the Congress, VCK and IUML to join the newly formed TVK-led state Cabinet.

According to Arjuna, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay envisions a administration that operates "one family" alongside the political allies—including the Congress, VCK, CPI, CPM and IUML—that were instrumental in bringing the government to power.

Arjuna took sharp aims at rival parties, accusing the DMK and AIADMK of covertly collaborating to undermine the TVK and stop it from forming the government.

Emphasising the government's core values, Arjuna stated, "Both the CM and the TVK party share the same vision that the leaders and parties committed to functioning on the principles of social justice should join the Cabinet. In particular, the Congress came forward and extended immense support to us, placing their trust in our leader."

While noting that Chief Minister Vijay is highly keen on Congress entering the Ministry, Arjuna added, "At the same time, we will always respect the policy decision of the Left parties to extend support from outside."

Reaffirming the administration's ideological stance, the Minister said the TVK government remains deeply dedicated to secularism and social justice. "Similarly, we extend an invitation to the leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) led by chief Thol Thirumavalavan, to participate in the Cabinet, which is also the wish of the Chief Minister," he said.

He revealed that alliance partners are already deliberating on the offer. "A consultative meeting of those parties is currently underway, and the subject of joining the Cabinet is being discussed," Arjuna noted, expressing optimism that "good news will emerge soon”.

Addressing questions regarding the AIADMK rebel faction led by C V Shanmugam, Arjuna clarified that their support during the crucial floor test was intended to "save" their own party rather than to secure Cabinet positions.

He further alleged that the DMK and AIADMK actively tried to destabilise the democratic mandate. "They made every effort to intervene here and impose Governor's Rule or President's Rule. The parties behind this attempt were the DMK and the AIADMK specifically," he claimed.

Arjuna went on to allege that the DMK "devised every possible strategy right up until the last minute, aiming to forge an alliance with AIADMK to form a coalition government through back door entry by overturning the verdict of the Tamil people."

When questioned about the timeline for the official Cabinet expansion, the Minister stated that Chief Minister Vijay would finalise the decisions shortly.

PTI