Vaiko Accuses Governor of Running 'Parallel Administration', Reaffirms Support for TVK

MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Sunday declared that his party would act as an " armour and a shield " for the ruling TVK government in Tamil Nadu, while sharply criticising Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar , accusing him of exceeding his constitutional authority.

Speaking to reporters at Coimbatore Airport, Vaiko said the MDMK would defend the government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay against opposition attacks. He alleged that the Governor was attempting to run a parallel administration through inspections of state projects and reported suggestions to invoke Article 356 to dismiss the newly elected government.

Calling Arlekar a "bonded labourer" of the Union government, Vaiko asserted that only an elected government has the mandate to govern. He also warned against what he described as the back-door entry of Hindutva forces into Tamil Nadu.

The remarks come amid continuing tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Raj Bhavan , reflecting a broader debate over the role of Governors in opposition-ruled states. Vaiko praised the TVK administration, claiming it had eliminated the culture of " commission, cutting and corruption ," calling it a " Himalayan achievement ."

Explaining the MDMK's split from the DMK-led alliance , Vaiko cited disrespect and high-handedness during seat-sharing talks and alleged that the DMK sought to facilitate an AIADMK government.

On the Mekedatu dam dispute , Vaiko warned that Karnataka's proposed balancing reservoir could reduce water flow to the Mettur Dam and Kollidam River , affecting drinking water and agriculture across nearly 25 districts . Accusing the BJP-led Union government of backing Karnataka's move despite Supreme Court rulings, he called for a statewide mass agitation , likening it to the 1965 anti-Hindi protests , to protect Tamil Nadu's water rights.