It is about three weeks now since the TVK government assumed office. While the administration has announced several measures that have been projected as reform-oriented including a pledge not to collect party funds, promises of transparency in tenders, full-time telecast of Assembly proceedings, and the closure of 717 TASMAC outlets, the government is reportedly facing a series of political setbacks, as reported in Vikatan.
Leaders from alliance parties have reportedly expressed concerns over what they describe as Chief Minister Vijay’s reluctance to speak up even on issues affecting coalition partners. According to them, this has raised questions about how effectively the alliance can function as a cohesive political front.
Missed Opportunity In The Assembly
According to political observers, the government’s political difficulties began during the very first Assembly session convened for the confidence motion.
During the debate, Opposition Leader and DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin launched a sharp attack on the government, questioning its stability and urging it to focus on governance rather than optics.
It is argued that Vijay missed an opportunity to counter the opposition on the Assembly floor itself. Instead of responding during the proceedings, the Chief Minister later posted a lengthy response on social media, questioning why a party rejected by a large section of Tamil Nadu’s electorate was mocking a government elected with the support of 35 percent of voters.
The way Vijay responsed and the platform he chose to respond became the subject of criticism – it was a reaction issued after leaving the Assembly rather than a direct political rebuttal. Owing to this, one can surely say that Vijay lost an early opportunity to politically confront the DMK government in the legislature.
Alliance Partners Express Discontent
Several leaders from TVK’s alliance parties told this Vikatan that the Chief Minister did not appear to function with the mindset of leading a coalition government.
They reportedly pointed to the recent Enforcement Directorate search conducted at the residence of former Kerala Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan. According to them, no statement condemning the action was issued by Vijay.
They further noted that CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby, who had participated in protests against the searches, was subsequently arrested by Delhi Police, yet the Chief Minister again remained silent.
Even after CPI(M)’s Central Chennai district secretary Selva publicly called upon Vijay to condemn the ED action, no statement was forthcoming, alliance leaders alleged.
According to them, the issue could have been transformed into a larger political campaign against the BJP-led central government. They argued that Vijay could have united coalition partners and organised protests, thereby countering perceptions that he was being soft towards the BJP. Instead, they claimed, the opportunity was lost, while former Chief Minister MK Stalin successfully positioned himself politically by condemning the searches.
Congress And VCK Also Reportedly Unhappy
Sources also indicated that the Congress party has been displeased with Vijay’s conduct in recent weeks.
According to alliance leaders, Vijay did not attend the swearing-in ceremony of Kerala Chief Minister Satheesan and, despite travelling to Delhi, did not meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi before returning to Tamil Nadu.
Questions have also reportedly arisen within the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).
VCK MP Ravikumar, who has served in Parliament for seven years, recently received birthday greetings from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Party insiders pointed out that Ravikumar had played a key role in facilitating discussions between VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan and TVK, helping lay the groundwork for the alliance and contributing to the coalition that eventually brought TVK to power.
Despite this, alliance leaders noted that Vijay had not publicly wished Ravikumar on his birthday.
Similarly, they expressed disappointment that Vijay did not comment on a recent event at Lok Bhavan where Thiruvalluvar was portrayed wearing saffron attire.
According to coalition leaders, Vijay’s silence on issue after issue has begun creating resentment within the alliance. They alleged that BJP leaders have been watching these tensions with interest and attempting to exploit them.
Alliance functionaries further pointed out that while Vijay met coalition leaders during the formation of the government, he has not held similar interactions since assuming office. Several leaders reportedly do not even possess a direct personal contact number for the Chief Minister.
They argued that regular meetings would provide opportunities for political discussions, improve coordination and strengthen the alliance. However, they claimed that such opportunities have not been forthcoming.
Ministers Cite Vijay’s Working Style
A senior minister was quoted saying in Vikatan report that Vijay has little interest in sitting down for extended political discussions and is not particularly enthusiastic even about ministers meeting frequently among themselves.
The minister stated that most political interactions are being handled by Vijay’s advisers John Arokiasamy and Vishnu Reddy. However, he suggested that the advisers may not fully appreciate political realities on the ground.
The minister also claimed that Rajasekar, who prepares many of Vijay’s speeches and statements, was absent during the confidence motion debate. As a result, the government was allegedly unable to respond immediately to Udhayanidhi Stalin’s criticisms. Rajasekar has since reportedly been brought closer into Vijay’s functioning, with the Chief Minister now keeping him by his side.
The minister added that Vijay still needed to evolve politically and sharpen his political instincts.
Calls For Greater Political Engagement
Attributing setbacks to the absence of advisers or speechwriters is insufficient for a party that secured 35% of the vote and formed the government.
With signs of unease emerging within the alliance, they contend that it is Vijay’s responsibility as party leader and Chief Minister to directly address coalition concerns, maintain communication with partners and ensure that political differences do not deepen.
Whether the Chief Minister chooses to engage more actively with alliance partners in the coming weeks could prove crucial to the long-term stability and cohesion of the coalition.
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