Chennai: The AIADMK is strategizing to unseat the DMK government in the upcoming assembly elections. Speculation is rife in political circles that the party is making serious moves to forge an alliance with Vijay’s TVK in a bid to prevent a split in opposition votes. As part of this proposed alliance, it is being said that Vijay may be offered the post of Deputy Chief Minister if TVK performs well in the elections.

With less than 10 months left for the Tamil Nadu assembly polls, major parties have begun mobilizing and exploring alliance options. The DMK-led coalition currently includes the Congress, CPI, CPM, DPI, MDMK, Indian Union Muslim League, Kongu Makkal Desiya Katchi, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, Forward Bloc, Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi, Makkal Veedu Katchi, Aadhi Tamilar Peravai, and MNM. Additionally, a faction of the PMK is also attempting to join the DMK alliance.

On the other side, the AIADMK, having finalized its alliance with the BJP, is set to lead the NDA in the state. Party leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) is now making efforts to bring Vijay’s TVK into this alliance. Several political surveys indicate that both AIADMK and TVK command significant vote shares. If they contest separately, the risk of splitting the opposition vote could benefit the ruling DMK.

Initially, there were signs of AIADMK and TVK working together. However, the relationship cooled over time, and the two sides distanced themselves. Now, with the aim of returning to power, EPS is reconsidering this stance and is reportedly open to reconciliation with Vijay. BJP leaders also support this idea and are said to be facilitating the process of bringing TVK into the NDA fold.

As an incentive, the alliance is expected to offer Vijay the Deputy Chief Minister’s position and a substantial share of cabinet posts if they secure a victory. Meanwhile, the AIADMK is also attempting to bring the DPI, which has a strong base among marginalized communities, into the alliance, though it has received little response so far.