Chennai: PMK Moves Closer to Vijay’s TVK, But BJP Equation Remains Crucial

Chennai: The political equation between Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) appears to be evolving, with discussions reportedly taking place over a possible understanding between the two parties. The talks have reportedly gone beyond informal conversations, with possible ministerial representation also being discussed. However, any formal arrangement could depend on how the PMK resolves its existing political equation with the BJP.

Tamil Nadu’s political landscape has seen a series of changes since the 2026 Assembly election, and the reported conversations between the PMK and TVK have added another layer to the shifting alliances.

The PMK had entered the 2026 Assembly election as part of the AIADMK-BJP alliance and was allotted 18 constituencies to contest. The party, led by Anbumani Ramadoss, subsequently emerged with representation in the Assembly. However, its position has since become more fluid amid the emergence of the TVK-led government and changes in relationships between several political parties.

Talks between PMK and TVK gain attention

According to reports, discussions between the PMK and Vijay’s TVK have become more serious in recent weeks.

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss and Vijay’s adviser John Arockiasamy have reportedly been involved in conversations concerning a possible political arrangement. One proposal reportedly under discussion involves Cabinet positions for PMK MLAs, including Sowmiya Anbumani and A Ganesh Kumar.

However, these reports have not translated into a formally announced alliance.

Sowmiya Anbumani, who is the PMK’s Assembly floor leader, has publicly asked people not to give importance to reports suggesting that she is planning to switch parties or receive a ministerial position in the TVK government. Her remarks came amid growing speculation about a possible political understanding between the two parties.

PMK’s existing BJP connection

One of the important factors in the situation is the PMK’s previous alliance arrangement.

During the 2026 Assembly election, the PMK contested as part of the AIADMK-led alliance, which included the BJP and other parties. The PMK was allotted 18 seats under the arrangement.

The party’s relationship with the BJP therefore remains relevant to any future political realignment.

The Indian Express has reported that the PMK may need to settle its outstanding issues with the BJP before any formal understanding with the TVK can take shape.

This makes the BJP’s position an important factor in determining how the PMK proceeds.

PMK stays neutral in upcoming bypolls

The PMK’s decision not to support either side in the upcoming Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly by-elections, scheduled for October 6, has also attracted attention.

The two constituencies became vacant after their former AIADMK MLAs resigned and subsequently joined the TVK. Both former MLAs have been fielded by the TVK in the bypolls.

The PMK’s neutral position in the bypolls is particularly significant in Madurantakam, where the party has traditionally had a support base among sections of the Vanniyar community.

The decision has been viewed in political circles as another indication of the PMK’s changing relationship with the AIADMK-BJP alliance, although the party’s formal position on any future alliance with TVK remains to be established.

Why the possible PMK-TVK understanding matters

A possible understanding between the PMK and TVK could have implications for the political configuration in Tamil Nadu.

The TVK government is relatively new, having come to power after the 2026 Assembly election. Meanwhile, the party has been working with several allies, and its alliance partners are increasingly appearing together during the ongoing by-election campaign.

Adding the PMK to that political arrangement could require adjustments within the existing alliance.

The PMK’s possible entry would also have to be considered alongside the positions of other parties supporting or working with the TVK government.

In particular, the relationship with the Left parties and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) could become an important part of the discussions. The Left parties have continued to support the TVK government from outside while separately contesting the upcoming by-elections.

Left parties contest bypolls separately

The CPI and CPI(M) have chosen to contest the October 6 by-elections independently, despite continuing to support the TVK government from outside.

The CPI is contesting Dharapuram, while the CPI(M) is contesting Madurantakam. This has added another dimension to the political situation surrounding the two constituencies.

Against this background, any formal political understanding between TVK and PMK could require the ruling party and its existing allies to work out how the new arrangement would fit into the broader coalition.

PMK’s electoral background

The PMK has maintained a political presence in several parts of northern Tamil Nadu and has traditionally sought to consolidate support among Vanniyar voters.

For the 2026 Assembly election, the party was allotted 18 constituencies within the AIADMK-led alliance. Among the seats allotted to it were constituencies such as Dharmapuri, Pennagaram, Salem West, Vriddhachalam, Sholingur, Jayankondam and others.

Sowmiya Anbumani contested from Dharmapuri and emerged as one of the party’s prominent legislators. A Ganesh Kumar was another PMK MLA elected from Gingee.

The party’s representation and regional support base make its political positioning relevant to the state’s wider alliance calculations.

The role of upcoming by-elections

The October 6 by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram have become an immediate focus of Tamil Nadu politics.

Both seats were previously held by AIADMK candidates who later moved to the TVK. Their resignations resulted in the vacancies and subsequent bypolls.

TVK, AIADMK, DMK and other parties are campaigning in the constituencies, while the PMK’s decision to remain neutral has added to speculation about its future political direction.

TVK leaders, including Vijay, have been campaigning in the constituencies ahead of the polls. The party’s alliance partners are also scheduled to participate in joint campaign activities.

No formal alliance announcement yet

Despite the speculation surrounding the PMK and TVK, there has been no formal announcement establishing a new alliance between the two parties in the information currently available.

Reports about possible Cabinet positions have also been publicly disputed by Sowmiya Anbumani, who has dismissed the speculation surrounding a possible party switch and ministerial berth.

The situation therefore remains fluid.

The PMK’s existing relationship with the BJP, its position within the broader opposition and alliance landscape, and the response of TVK’s current allies could all influence how the discussions develop.

For now, the reported conversations between the PMK and TVK indicate that Tamil Nadu’s political alignments continue to evolve following the 2026 Assembly election. Whether those discussions eventually result in a formal alliance or government arrangement will depend on negotiations among the parties and their respective political decisions.

News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.