‘Prevent communal forces from stepping in’: Congress ditches DMK, offers ‘conditional’ support to Vijay’s TVK in Tamil Nadu

New Delhi: Congress on Wednesday extended support to actor-turned-politician Vijay-led TVK after emerging as the largest party in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections but failed to breach a majority.The party, which won five seats in the 243-member parliament, said in a letter that its support was conditional on TVK not excluding any communal forces that do not believe in India’s constitution from the alliance.“TVK President Thiru C Vijay has formally requested the Indian National Congress (INC) to support the formation of government in Tamil Nadu. The people of Tamil Nadu, especially the youth, have given a very clear, strong and overwhelming verdict for the formation of a secular, progressive and welfarist government that believes in the principles of the Constitution. They chose the organization led by Mr. Tamizhaga Vetri Kazagam (TVK). Vijay to form the next government,” the letter read.

“Our support will depend on TVK excluding any communal forces that do not believe in the Indian Constitution from this alliance.The alliance between TVK and Tamil Nadu Congress will work towards restoring the glory days of Perunthalaivar Kamaraj in Tamil Nadu and remain steadfastly committed to the social justice ideals of Thanthai Periyar and the constitutional ideals of Dr BR Ambedkar in the years and decades to come. “