MDMK General Secretary Vaiko meets reporters at Coimbatore Airport
Speaking to the media at Coimbatore Airport, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko said that talks would begin soon regarding how many seats would be allotted to the MDMK in the DMK-led alliance.
Vaiko expressed confidence that the DMK would certainly secure an absolute majority in the upcoming Assembly elections. Let us look at what he said in detail.
Addressing reporters, Vaiko stated that the Union Budget was extremely disappointing. He said there had been expectations that higher allocations would be made due to Assembly elections in five states, but those expectations had been completely belied.
Vaiko criticises the Union Budget
He further said that it was claimed the European Union agreement would help India overcome the impact of American tariff policies. However, the EU agreement would come into effect only after April, and until then it remains unclear how the Union government intends to manage the situation. He pointed out that petrol and diesel prices had not been reduced and that there were no schemes to support textile mills in Coimbatore, Karur, and Tiruppur.
Vaiko added that the government plans to borrow ₹11.7 lakh crore, yet claims it will achieve 7 percent economic growth, which is not convincing. There was no announcement regarding metro rail projects, and even existing projects had not received adequate funds. He accused the Centre of neglecting Tamil Nadu and asserted that the DMK would definitely win an absolute majority and that Stalin would return to power in 2026.
“Narendra Modi has no good name in the country”
Continuing, Vaiko said that India extending support to Palestine as a separate state was welcome. India had supported Palestine since the days of Jawaharlal Nehru, but after Narendra Modi came to power, India had remained silent on the issue. He said the present support was a positive step and added that Prime Minister Modi did not enjoy a good reputation in the country.
When asked how many seats the MDMK would seek in the DMK alliance, Vaiko said that within three hours of the DMK forming its seat-sharing negotiation committee, the MDMK would also constitute its committee. He firmly stated that it was not possible at this stage to disclose how many seats the party would demand.
DMK–MDMK alliance and seat sharing
In Tamil Nadu politics, the DMK-led alliance includes parties such as the Indian National Congress, CPI(M), CPI, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Indian Union Muslim League, Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi, and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi. Among them, the MDMK has remained an important ally for a long time. Vaiko’s personal political stance, his relationship with the DMK, and his vote base continue to influence seat-sharing decisions.
Vaiko’s political calculation
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the MDMK was allotted six constituencies. Although the party’s victory rate was low, Vaiko remained a key face in alliance campaigning. Due to his “vote transfer ability,” the DMK cannot afford to ignore the MDMK.
While the MDMK may not have a large independent vote share, Vaiko enjoys significant influence in parts of northern, western, and southern Tamil Nadu—especially in regions such as Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, the Dindigul belt, Coimbatore, and surrounding areas. The DMK needs this support for effective vote consolidation within the alliance.