Tamil Nadu: P. Shanmugam, the State Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], has stated that if the party receives support from the AIADMK, they would be compelled to reconsider their current political stance. He made this statement on Tuesday while interacting with journalists in Thiruthuraipoondi, Tiruvarur district.
P. Shanmugam explained that the party had initially extended its support to the TDP based on the premise that the latter would not face any further electoral contests and would be in a position to form the government independently by winning 108 seats. He noted that this support was granted with that specific political context in mind.
He further added that the public has thrown its support behind the TDP—specifically in opposition to the AIADMK and the DMK—and, under these circumstances, forming a government with the backing of those very parties would run counter to the will of the people. He asserted that if support from the AIADMK were to materialize in the future, the party would be obliged to re-evaluate the support it has currently extended to the TDP.
Commenting on the prevailing political situation, Shanmugam emphasized that, at this juncture, it is absolutely crucial to remain mindful of public sentiment and the electoral mandate. He indicated that, in the realm of coalition politics, decisions are subject to change based on evolving circumstances.
Concurrently, he also welcomed another decision recently taken by the state government. P. Shanmugam described the decision to shut down 717 TASMAC liquor outlets—specifically those situated in the vicinity of places of worship, educational institutions, and densely populated public areas—as a step taken in the right direction.
He also put forth a demand that liquor outlets located near railway stations should be shut down immediately as well. Furthermore, he urged the government to make arrangements for alternative employment opportunities for the staff currently working at these outlets, ensuring that their livelihoods remain unaffected.
Commenting on the internal dynamics within the AIADMK, he observed that factionalism or internal dissent within the party is nothing new. He stated that this remains an internal affair of the AIADMK, and it is for the party itself to resolve the matter.
In summary, P. Shanmugam’s statement served, on one hand, as a clear signal regarding a potential reconsideration of political alliances and support, while on the other, it expressed support for the decision to close down the TASMAC liquor outlets. His statement is being considered significant in the context of the state’s current political situation and coalition equations.
