CPI announces exit from DMK alliance, says future tie-ups will depend on political situation
The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Thursday declared that it is no longer a part of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance in Tamil Nadu, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. The announcement comes shortly after the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] indicated that the coalition was no longer functioning in its previous form.
Addressing reporters in Coimbatore following a two-day state executive committee meeting, CPI state secretary M. Veerapandian said the party had concluded that the prevailing political conditions were not conducive to continuing its association with the DMK-led front. He noted that the decision was taken after detailed internal deliberations.
The CPI and CPI(M) had recently extended outside support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government that came to power after the 2026 Assembly elections. Despite ending its formal alliance with the DMK, Veerapandian said the CPI still viewed the DMK, AIADMK, and TVK as democratic political forces.
He emphasized that the party remained open to collaborating with any democratic organisation on matters related to secularism, social justice, labour welfare, and public interest. According to him, the BJP and the RSS continue to be the CPI’s principal political adversaries.
Explaining the party’s support for the TVK government, Veerapandian said the decision reflected respect for the mandate delivered by the electorate. He pointed out that TVK had emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats and therefore had the legitimate right to form the government.
The CPI leader added that future decisions regarding electoral partnerships, including those for local body polls and by-elections, would be made based on the political environment at the time.
Earlier this week, CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam had stated that the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance no longer existed under the current circumstances, while clarifying that his party would continue to cooperate with the DMK on issues concerning Tamil Nadu’s interests.
Reacting to the CPI’s announcement, DMK Organisation Secretary R.S. Bharathi said the party was unfazed by the departure of alliance partners. He maintained that the DMK was capable of facing political challenges independently and expressed gratitude to the Left parties for their past association with the party. Bharathi added that any questions regarding their decision to leave the alliance should be directed to the parties concerned.