TVK Falls In Line After CPM's Warning? Party Clarifies Stand On AIADMK Rebels, Cabinet Expansion
TVK Falls In Line After CPM's Warning? Party Clarifies Stand On AIADMK Rebels, Cabinet Expansion Published By, Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 13:45 IST Tamil
TVK Falls In Line After CPM's Warning? Party Clarifies Stand On AIADMK Rebels, Cabinet Expansion Published By, Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 13:45 IST Tamil Nadu Minister Aadhav Arjuna clarified that the TVK government has no immediate plan to accommodate AIADMK rebels in the Cabinet. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay (Photo: PTI) Amid intense political speculation over a possible Cabinet expansion in Tamil Nadu and reports suggesting that AIADMK rebel leaders could be accommodated in the government, Tamil Nadu Minister Aadhav Arjuna on Wednesday moved to clarify the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) position, insisting that the alliance remains united and that the Chief Minister wants the Cabinet to function “like one family." Arjuna reiterated that the party had invited the CPM and three parties, including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, to join the government. The clarification came a day after CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam issued a stern warning that the Left party would “reconsider" its support to the C Joseph Vijay-led government if AIADMK rebels were inducted into the Cabinet. The developments have added a fresh layer of political tension ahead of the anticipated first Cabinet expansion of the TVK government, which came to power earlier this month after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections. Speculation intensified after reports suggested that the rebel faction of the AIADMK led by C.Ve.
Shanmugam could be rewarded with ministerial berths during the expected Cabinet reshuffle. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar’s arrival in Chennai further fuelled discussions surrounding the expansion process and possible inclusion of alliance partners. However, responding to the growing controversy, Aadhav Arjuna stressed that the TVK government was focused on inclusive governance and wider political representation rather than power-sharing deals. “The Chief Minister wants the cabinet to function like one family. The Chief Minister wants the parties that extended support to be represented in the cabinet," Arjuna said while addressing reporters. He further added that the alliance supporting the TVK government remained intact and that Chief Minister Vijay would soon make an announcement regarding Cabinet expansion. The clarification assumes significance because CPI(M) had openly cautioned the ruling dispensation against bringing AIADMK rebels into the government. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam said the Left parties had extended outside support to the TVK government to prevent “backdoor entry of the BJP’s rule" through President’s Rule and because no single party had secured a majority. He said accommodating AIADMK rebels in the Cabinet would go against both the people’s verdict and the TVK’s stated commitment to “clean governance." “I think the TVK will not go to that extent," Shanmugam said, before adding that if such a move happened, “the CPI(M) will then reconsider its stand of support to the TVK." The warning sparked political chatter over whether the TVK government would rethink its strategy amid concerns over coalition stability.
AADHAV ARJUNA DEFENDS TVK’S POLITICAL APPROACH Seeking to cool tensions, Arjuna maintained that the government’s outreach to various political groups was rooted in ideological unity rather than political bargaining. He said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan and Left leaders had stood together “to protect constitutional values" and argued that the same spirit should continue in governance as well. Arjuna also revealed that TVK had invited the VCK to participate in the government and said parties like Congress, Left parties and IUML should be represented in the administration. At the same time, he attempted to distance the AIADMK rebel camp from allegations that it was bargaining for ministerial positions. Referring to the faction led by C.Ve. Shanmugam, Arjuna said the group’s objective was not to seek power but to “protect the legacy" of former Chief Ministers MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa and revive the AIADMK. “Vijay has immense respect for MGR. We view AIADMK with friendship and goodwill. This is not merely about political support; it is about maintaining cordial relations," he said. He further added that C.Ve. Shanmugam would soon announce his future political course. DMK, AIADMK ACCUSED OF ‘HORSE-TRADING’ During his interaction with the media, Arjuna also launched sharp attacks on both the DMK and the AIADMK, alleging that the two parties had attempted to form an alliance after the election despite the public mandate rejecting them.
“DMK and AIADMK attempted to form an alliance that went against the people’s verdict. DMK and AIADMK jointly tried to bring about President’s Rule," he alleged. He further claimed that both parties engaged in “horse-trading" in an attempt to secure political advantage after the elections. The remarks come amid continued political churn in Tamil Nadu following resignations and internal dissatisfaction within the AIADMK, as well as allegations from AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran that the TVK government was trying to lure legislators with positions. The Vijay-led government had earlier comfortably won the Assembly floor test with support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, IUML and independent-backed legislators. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 20, 2026, 13:44 IST News india TVK Falls In Line After CPM's Warning? Party Clarifies Stand On AIADMK Rebels, Cabinet Expansion Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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