MDMK chief Vaiko signals political shift, meets Vijay, urges TN government to reject Vedanta’s proposal
MDMK General Secretary Vaiko met Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday and urged the Tamil Nadu government over Vedanta’s proposed Green Copper project in Thoothukudi, while also fuelling speculation about the future of his party’s relationship with the DMK-led alliance.
During his meeting with Vijay, the veteran leader urged the government to reject any attempt to revive copper-smelting operations in the state under a different name. Vaiko argued that public opposition to the Sterlite project remains deeply rooted in the collective memory of Tamil Nadu and warned against reopening the issue through what he described as a repackaged industrial proposal.
His remarks come amid an ongoing legal battle over Vedanta’s proposal for a Green Copper facility at the site of the closed Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi. The company has challenged the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board’s decision rejecting permission for the project and has sought judicial intervention.
Vaiko’s intervention has also acquired political significance because of the changing equations in Tamil Nadu following the formation of the Vijay-led government. In recent weeks, the MDMK leadership has openly expressed dissatisfaction with its experience in the DMK alliance, particularly regarding seat-sharing arrangements and the circumstances under which the party contested the Assembly elections.
While the MDMK has not formally announced any decision regarding its future political alignment, party leaders have indicated that the matter will be discussed at the organisation’s upcoming general council meeting. The comments have triggered speculation that the party could reassess its alliance strategy in the evolving political landscape.
Observers note that Vaiko’s praise for certain policy positions taken by the Vijay government, combined with his criticism of past alliance arrangements, has added to discussions about a possible political realignment. However, MDMK leaders maintain that any decision regarding alliances will be taken collectively after consulting party cadres and functionaries.