Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 | Will Left back TVK? CPI(M), CPI weigh options amid DMK loyalty dilemma

New Delhi: CPI(M) and CPI are not rushing to announce support for actor Vijay-led Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), as it is finding it difficult to ditch its alliance partner DMK just after Assembly elections like the Congress did.

A final decision is likely to come only by May 8, amid indications that the Left parties “may not oppose” TVK at critical junctures even if it does not announce support for it. TVK has 108 MLAs in the 234 member Assembly and still has a deficit of five after Congress pledged the support of its five MLAs.

Sources said General Secretaries MA Baby (CPI-M) and D Raja (CPI) will hold discussions along with other senior central party leaders here on Thursday on the issue even as there is consensus within the Left that they should take steps to ensure that the BJP takes advantage of the situation.

CPI(M)’s Tamil Nadu state secretariat and state committee would be meeting on Friday to take a call while the CPI’s state leadership met on Wednesday with sources saying it is inclined to lend support to the actor-led party.

However, sources said the dilemma for the Left parties is that they are a bit uncomfortable with immediately coming out of a DMK alliance under which it fought the elections. “There is a question of political morality. We do not want to destabilise DMK,” a senior Left leader said.

At the same time, the Left parties acknowledge that the mandate is for TVK and he has made it clear that he is opposed to the BJP as well as DMK. 

“Our considered view is that we should not jump into a decision. We don’t want the BJP to capitalise on the vacuum. We will support pro-people, anti-communal measures. During critical times like trust vote, we will not go against them. At the same time, we may also not ditch DMK,” the leader said.

TVK wants the smaller parties like VCK and Muslim League to also support it in government formation. Muslim League has made it clear that it would remain with DMK. Congress’ quick decision to switch sides and announce support for TVK is expected to play a role in the decision of other parties.