"Preparations underway for secret agreement between DMK, BJP: Vaiko after Amit Shah visits Chennai

Vaiko alleges secret pact between DMK and BJP

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko has alleged that preparations are underway for a "secret agreement" between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu. Speaking to reporters at Thoothukudi Airport on Saturday, Vaiko reiterated his earlier allegation of a possible understanding between the two parties. "I believe preparations are underway for a secret agreement between the DMK and the BJP," he said.

The allegation drew a sharp response from the DMK. Party spokesperson TKS Elangovan said on Sunday that Vaiko "will say anything because he doesn't know politics." Elangovan added that Vaiko is "a very fiery speaker" whose actions are "based on his personal welfare." He noted that Vaiko had joined the TVK alliance, but the two MLAs who won on the DMK symbol did not join him, which is why he is angry and fighting against the DMK.

Praise for the Tamil Nadu government

In his remarks at Thoothukudi Airport, Vaiko also praised the government led by Chief Minister Vijay, claiming that the administration had made significant progress during its first 100 days in office. He said that bribery in government offices had been eradicated within 100 days of the government taking charge and questioned what more could be expected from the administration in such a short period. Vaiko said Vijay had achieved a major milestone by fulfilling promises made during the election campaign.

Vaiko also referred to a question raised by Vijay in the Assembly over why efforts were not made to stop construction work when it had initially begun. According to Vaiko, members of the DMK were unable to provide a satisfactory answer to that question.

On the Tamil Nadu government's recent decision to provide vehicles to Members of the Legislative Assembly, Vaiko said that while some MLAs had accepted the vehicles and others had chosen not to take them, the decision ultimately remained a matter of individual preference.

Vaiko also recalled his assessment ahead of the Assembly election results, saying that journalists had approached him two days before counting and asked about the likely outcome. He said he had predicted that the results would be "shocking."

Delimitation dispute

The exchange comes amid a separate political dispute over Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay's reported change in position on delimitation. DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran questioned the reported shift, asking "Why did the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister do a somersault?" Maran suggested the change came after Vijay's meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He said the DMK had maintained a consistent position against any delimitation exercise that could alter the existing representation of southern states in the Lok Sabha.

The DMK IT cell also criticized Vijay after his meeting with Shah, accusing him of taking a "U-turn" on delimitation.

The political exchanges occurred amid the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Tamil Nadu, where Amit Shah met representatives of southern states and Union territories. On Thursday, Shah emphasized an early resolution of pending water-related issues concerning southern states through joint meetings involving Central ministries and concerned stakeholders. Southern states agreed to resolve pending water disputes "expeditiously through mutual dialogue and constructive solutions."