Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has indicated that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has effectively replaced the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the INDIA alliance following recent political developments in Tamil Nadu.
Speaking about the growing rift within the opposition bloc, Raut said the alliance has come under strain after the Congress extended support to a TVK-led government despite being an ally of the DMK.
"Given the current political situation in Tamil Nadu, the DMK should exercise restraint, while Congress has very few options left before it at this stage," he said.
According to him, the development has significantly altered political equations in the state and is likely to result in DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin skipping the INDIA alliance meeting scheduled for June 8 in New Delhi.
Referring to the political situation in Tamil Nadu, Raut said the state's political landscape changed completely after the Assembly elections.
He claimed that relations between the DMK and Congress deteriorated after Congress supported and joined a TVK-led government, and the DMK has effectively distanced itself from the INDIA alliance since then.
Raut said that under the current circumstances, he does not expect DMK leaders to participate in the June 8 meeting.
He added that discussions regarding the proposed INDIA alliance meeting are ongoing among opposition leaders. Several leaders have been consulted about alliance activities in Delhi, and further strategy is being worked out.
Political developments in Maharashtra and several other states are also being discussed among alliance partners.
However, Raut did not confirm whether Shiv Sena (UBT) would attend the INDIA alliance meeting, citing the ongoing Maharashtra Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) elections and related political engagements.
