Now that the talks of a DMK-AIADMK merger to form the Tamil Nadu government are doing the rounds, all eyes are on DMK president MK Stalin. The outgoing chief minister, under whose leadership the party won 73 seats, is yet to comment on the alleged merger, but earlier stated that his party would not hinder Vijay from forming the government.
On Thursday, the DMK MLAs met in Chennai to pass four resolutions, including granting Stalin the power to make emergency decisions. One of the resolutions also condemned the Congress party for withdrawing from the alliance.
"The results of the recent assembly elections showed that no party had a majority. This is a critical and complicated period. While Tamil Nadu is not ready for another election, our primary objective is to establish a stable government in the state. At the same time, we are also forced to consider the need not to allow communal forces to undermine the principles of the Dravidian movement," the resolution authorising Stalin to take an urgent decision said.
Meanwhile, Stalin is meeting leaders of his allies, including V.C.K. leader Thirumavalavan, and leaders of the communist parties Shanmugam and Veerapandian. They met Stalin after Vijay sought their support to form the government.
Stalin is said to have advised them not to leave the DMK alliance and not to take any hasty decisions now. He also issued an order to the MLAs stating that certain decisions had to be taken in the party's interest and that the MLAs should stay in Chennai until May 10. He also said that a stable government should be formed without giving space to communal forces, according to local media reports.
However, senior party leaders are already hinting that it could take a drastic decision. "DMK is ready to decide on alternative arrangements if the Governor does not invite Vijay to form the government," DMK Organising Secretary R. S. Bharathi told BBC Tamil. "People are not ready to face another election in Tamil Nadu, so our leader will make a decision according to the situation after consulting with the alliance parties."
On a possible DMK-AIADMK alliance, RS Bharathi did not deny it. "DMK will take any decision to protect the dignity of democracy," he added.
The AIADMK won 47 seats in the recently concluded assembly elections under the leadership of Edappadi Palaniswami.