TVK and DMK Cannot Share Space in Same National Alliance, Says Durai Vaiko

MDMK principal secretary Durai Vaiko on Monday firmly ruled out any possibility of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) being part of the same national alliance, describing such a political arrangement as “impossible.”

Addressing a press conference in Chennai, Durai Vaiko dismissed speculation about a broader opposition coalition aimed at taking on the BJP at the national level. His remarks came in response to recent suggestions by VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan and Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore , who have advocated a wider alliance that could potentially include both TVK and the DMK to strengthen the opposition front.

Questioning the DMK’s political credibility, Durai alleged that the party had engaged in behind-the-scenes discussions with the AIADMK-BJP alliance following the recent Assembly elections in an effort to form a government. He argued that such actions contradicted the DMK’s public stance against the BJP and made any future alliance involving both TVK and the DMK unworkable.

The MDMK leader also claimed that dissatisfaction among grassroots workers in both major Dravidian parties was fueling support for TVK. According to him, former ministers, MLAs, local-level office-bearers and thousands of young party workers have been leaving the AIADMK and DMK due to growing frustration within the organizations and concerns over leadership.

On development issues, Durai emphasized the urgent need for a second airport for Chennai , noting that the city’s aviation infrastructure has fallen behind major urban centers such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad over the past two decades. While welcoming the decision to abandon the proposed airport project at Parandur , he urged the state government to identify an alternative site that would not affect agricultural land or water bodies.

Durai also reiterated his party’s strong opposition to the reopening of the Sterlite Copper Plant in Tuticorin , citing concerns over environmental damage, groundwater contamination and public health. While acknowledging the importance of copper production for economic growth, he said such industries should be located in areas where they pose minimal environmental risks.

He further expressed concern over Tamil Nadu’s rising debt burden , calling for prudent financial management, better regulation of mineral resources and reduced dependence on excessive borrowing to ensure sustainable economic growth.