In a significant political development, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), led by veteran politician Vaiko, announced on Saturday, June 27, 2026 that it is formally exiting the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) after nine years. The decision was taken at the party's General Council meeting at Vijayasree Mahal in Anna Nagar, Chennai.
Who Is Vaiko?
V. Gopalasamy, known as Vaiko, born on September 6, 1943 in Virudhunagar, is one of Tamil Nadu's most veteran political voices. A former DMK heavyweight and former Rajya Sabha MP, he parted ways with Karunanidhi and founded MDMK in 1994 after disagreements over Tamil Eelam and party direction. Now 82, Vaiko is known for his fiery oratory, Tamil nationalism and unflinching political positions. His son Durai Vaiko serves as MDMK Principal Secretary and Tiruchirappalli MP.
Why Did MDMK Exit the DMK Alliance?
The breaking point: In the April 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, MDMK was forced to contest all four of its constituencies — Sirkazhi, Kadayanallur, Modakkurichi and Madurai South — under the DMK's Rising Sun symbol, not the MDMK's own symbol. While parties like Congress, CPI and CPM were allowed to contest under their own symbols, MDMK was denied this respect. MDMK won two seats — Senthil Selvan in Sirkazhi and Rajendran in Kadayanallur.
Vaiko expressed "deep pain and anguish" that despite nine years of loyalty, his party was treated as a subordinate rather than an equal partner. The final straw was the contrast with smaller parties being accorded more respect and more seats by the DMK leadership.
The TVK Connection — Support Declared
MDMK's exit from the DMK alliance comes with a clear political direction — towards CM Vijay's TVK government. Durai Vaiko had already set the tone by personally receiving CM Vijay when he visited Tiruchirappalli East constituency. Durai Vaiko said publicly: "Since we were contesting on the Rising Sun symbol, we could not support TVK. But we are a separate movement." — a signal that freedom from the DMK alliance means freedom to support TVK.
MDMK is expected to extend outside support to the TVK government in the immediate term. The formal alliance question — whether MDMK joins the TVK-led front — will be decided at future elections.
The 2 MLAs — Both Moving to DMK
The most significant development is around MDMK's two sitting MLAs — and their direction is clear. Sirkazhi MLA Senthil Selvan officially announced he is no longer part of the MDMK and will be joining the DMK. Kadayanallur MLA Rajendran is also expected to join the DMK. Both MLAs are choosing to remain with the Dravidian principal party rather than follow Vaiko into the TVK orbit.
Importantly, both MLAs are not expected to resign their seats or seek fresh by-elections. They plan to continue as sitting MLAs under the DMK banner in the Assembly. This marks a split within MDMK — the party leadership (Vaiko) moving toward TVK support, while the elected legislators aligning with DMK.
Broader Political Picture
MDMK becomes the sixth party to exit the DMK-led SPA after the 2026 elections. Congress, VCK, IUML have already joined the TVK government. CPI and CPI(M) have given unconditional outside support. The DMK is now left with DMDK, Kamal Haasan's MNM and a few smaller partners — a dramatic shrinkage from its once-powerful alliance.
MDMK Vaiko DMK Alliance Exits TVK Support Durai Vaiko Tamil Nadu Politics June 27, 2026