The Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Party (TNVP), led by T. Velmurugan, has officially withdrawn from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The exit follows a prolonged dispute over seat-sharing arrangements and unmet political demands, marking the first major crack in the ruling alliance just weeks before the polls.
Velmurugan announced the decision after internal party consultations, stating that the party could no longer continue in the alliance due to dissatisfaction with the number of seats offered by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
Seat-Sharing Deadlock Triggers Exit
The core issue behind TNVP’s exit was the disagreement over the allocation of constituencies. TNVP had initially demanded six seats, later scaling down its demand to two. However, the DMK reportedly remained firm on offering just one seat, which Velmurugan deemed unacceptable.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, TNVP contested a single seat under the DMK alliance and secured a victory. This time, the party sought a larger share, citing its growing political relevance and regional influence.
The failure to reach a compromise ultimately led to the breakdown of negotiations.
Unmet Demands Beyond Seat Allocation
Apart from seat-sharing, TNVP had also placed several political demands before the DMK leadership. These reportedly included key social and policy issues such as caste-based census and implementation of specific community quotas.
Velmurugan emphasized that the alliance was not merely about electoral arithmetic but also about addressing these core demands. The lack of progress on these fronts further deepened the rift between the two parties.
Impact on DMK-Led Alliance
TNVP’s exit highlights growing tensions within the DMK-led coalition as multiple allies push for a larger share of seats. The development signals potential instability in the alliance, with other parties like the CPI(M) also reportedly dissatisfied with seat allocations.
Despite these challenges, the DMK has already finalized seat-sharing agreements with several allies, including the CPI and Congress, indicating its attempt to maintain coalition unity while accommodating competing demands.
TNVP Rules Out Joining NDA
Following its exit, TNVP clarified that it will not join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The party is expected to explore alternative strategies, including the possibility of contesting independently or forming new alliances. Political observers believe this move could influence vote dynamics, especially in northern Tamil Nadu where TNVP has a localized support base.
Political Significance Ahead of Elections
The withdrawal of TNVP comes at a crucial time when Tamil Nadu’s political landscape is heating up ahead of the Assembly elections. Seat-sharing negotiations have become a key flashpoint among alliance partners, reflecting the complexities of coalition politics in the state.
While TNVP may be a smaller player, its exit underscores broader dissatisfaction within the alliance and could have ripple effects on electoral strategies and vote distribution.