Published Jun 20, 2026 | 3:13 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 20, 2026 | 4:51 PM
IUML described the decision as a “historic political move”. Credit: x.com/IUMLTNOfficial
Synopsis: In a fresh blow to DMK, the IUML formally quit the alliance at its Tamil Nadu state council meeting on 20 June. IUML, now part of CM Vijay’s TVK government, cited changed political circumstances. The move follows CPI and CPM exits, further weakening DMK’s bloc ahead of by‑polls and local body elections.
In a fresh political setback for DMK, the IUML on Saturday, 20 June. formally announced its decision to walk out of the DMK alliance, becoming the fourth ally after the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) to publicly sever ties with the former ruling party.
At its Tamil Nadu state general council meeting held at Royapuram in Chennai under the leadership of national president KM Kader Mohideen, the party adopted a key political resolution declaring that it can no longer continue in the DMK alliance under the present political circumstances.
In Resolution 14 passed at the meeting, IUML stated that while it had respected the mandate delivered by voters in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, the party had subsequently extended support to enable the formation of the TVK government and is currently part of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s cabinet.
Given the present political situation, the resolution stated, continuing its political journey within the DMK alliance was no longer possible.
The party also said it would take a final decision regarding future electoral alliances once by-elections and local body elections in Tamil Nadu are officially announced.
The development assumes significance as it comes soon after both CPI and CPM recently announced that they were no longer part of the DMK-led alliance, further weakening the opposition bloc ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
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A major focus of the meeting was the party leadership’s attempt to politically justify and formally ratify the decision taken after the Assembly election to support TVK in government formation.
Through a separate resolution, IUML said that despite TVK emerging as the single largest party by winning 108 seats, the party fell short of the numbers required to independently form government, creating fears that Tamil Nadu could be pushed toward President’s Rule.
The resolution argued that such a scenario could have indirectly opened the door for BJP influence in the state, prompting IUML to intervene.
According to the resolution, CM Vijay had personally written to IUML leadership on 5 May seeking support, while senior TVK leaders had repeatedly approached the party leadership requesting backing for government formation.
Following consultations with religious leaders, community representatives and party functionaries, IUML’s high-level committee met in Chennai on 9 May and formally decided to extend support, after which the party submitted its support letter to the Governor.
The party also defended its decision to become part of the new government. The resolution stated that after Vijay was sworn in as CM on 10 May, TVK leadership continued urging IUML to join the cabinet.
Following an emergency state executive meeting held on 21 May, the party decided to participate in government after being assured ministerial representation and recommended Papanasam MLA AM Shahjahan for the cabinet.
IUML described the decision as a “historic political move” and passed a resolution congratulating party leadership for taking what it called a decisive intervention in Tamil Nadu politics.
Another resolution congratulated Vijay and TVK for emerging as the single largest party in the Assembly election and forming the government with public support.
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Apart from the political resolutions, the general council adopted several organisational resolutions aimed at strengthening party structure ahead of future elections.
IUML has directed district units to intensify organisational work and conduct district, town and primary committee meetings by July.
It also resolved to begin preparations for the upcoming local body elections by identifying potential constituencies for contesting municipal, corporation, panchayat and ward-level elections and appointing district-level coordinators for election work.
IUML also passed a resolution demanding that ward delimitation for local body elections be carried out based on population rather than housing units.
The party argued that delimitation carried out by the previous government using housing units instead of population had weakened minority representation in local bodies and reduced proportional political participation in minority-dominated areas.
It urged the Tamil Nadu government to revise the delimitation process to ensure fairer representation.
Another notable resolution urged the Tamil Nadu government to release Muslim life convicts who, according to the party, have remained imprisoned for over 25 years despite being eligible for release under existing government orders.
The party also sought extension of parole for prisoners who were previously granted temporary release but were later forced to return to prison.
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Apart from these, resolutions were passed condoling deceased leaders, thanking alliance parties and voters who helped IUML candidates win in the Assembly election, congratulating the party’s successful performance in the Kerala Assembly election, appreciating IUML legislators elected in Tamil Nadu, and organising political training workshops for cadre and office-bearers.
The general council meeting saw participation from 480 state general council members, with the party adopting a total of 14 resolutions, marking one of IUML’s most politically significant meetings in Tamil Nadu since the Assembly election.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
