Better for Congress to remain in  DMK-led front for its own sake, says CPI(M) State secretary

CPI(M) Tamil Nadu secretary P. Shanmugam on Monday said the Congress had raised the issue of power-sharing in Tamil Nadu at an inappropriate time. According to him, it would be beneficial to the alliance as a whole, and the Congress itself, if the party stayed in the DMK-led front.

When asked whether the Congress quitting the alliance would weaken the coalition, Mr. Shanmugam said an important party quitting a front would result in some damage to the coalition. “But I do not think it will affect the victory of the DMK-led alliance,” he said.

Explaining why he felt it was inappropriate for the Congress to raise the issue of power-sharing at this juncture, he said that after the election, this issue would naturally become a matter of discussion if the DMK  failed to secure a majority and was compelled to seek the support of the allies to form a government. “At present, there is no need to make such a demand. It would be a different issue if there were to be a coalition government based on a common minimum programme or a common manifesto. In the coming election, the DMK-led alliance has no such plans. Under these circumstances, demanding a share in power in advance is inappropriate,” he said.

Mr. Shanmugam added that the CPI(M) would not take part in a coalition government, as its policy was not to be part of a government led by another party.

When asked whether the Congress was seeking to leverage the presence of actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, he said some Congress leaders might harbour ambitions of joining hands with the TVK. “They are expressing their views openly. However, the final decision will be taken only by the Congress high command in Delhi. So far, senior leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, have not spoken in favour of aligning with the TVK or demanding a share in power in the DMK-led alliance. We cannot conclude that the Congress has other plans merely because some leaders in Tamil Nadu are raising the issue. It may well be a strategy to bargain for more seats from the DMK,” he said.

Mr. Shanmugam said Mr. Vijay would secure some percentage of votes — perhaps more than others who started political parties and tested the waters — but it might not translate into seats. It was natural for young people to attend Mr. Vijay’s meetings, given his popularity as a film star, he said. “The crowd largely comprises students and youngsters. It reflects the popularity he has gained through cinema,” he said.

According to Mr. Shanmugam, even if a ruling party implemented the best schemes, there would always be sections that opposed it. “The CPI(M) is in power in Kerala. Can you say that there are no voters against the government there? Anti-incumbency is always a factor in politics. Mr. Vijay may seek to capitalise on that section of voters who are unhappy with the government. However, there is no reason to suggest that the DMK government should go. The situation does not warrant a change in government in Tamil Nadu,” he said.