'TN will remain single-party state': No coalition govt, says minister Periyasamy as DMK rejects Congress demand for power sharing

DINDIGUL: DMK has rejected the demand of a section of Tamil Nadu Congress leaders for a share in power. Seeking to put an end to the growing chorus for power sharing, senior DMK leader I Periyasamy said there would be no coalition govt in the state.

Periyasamy told reporters in Dindigul on Sunday that Tamil Nadu has been governed by a single party always and the same tradition would continue after the 2026 assembly elections too.


Periyasamy, who is the DMK deputy general secretary and rural administration minister, acknowledged that Congress leaders were within their rights to put forth the demand but made it clear that chief minister M K Stalin was not inclined to accept the demand.




“Seeking a share in power is their right. But there will be no coalition government here. Tamil Nadu has always had single-party rule. The chief minister is firm on this,” Periyasamy said, underlining the DMK’s long-standing position on the issue. This is the first time that party has formally rejected the demand which has gained traction over the past several months.

The remarks come amid the chorus for power sharing growing louder. Sections within Congress, including MP Manickam Tagore, had said no party can win elections on their own in TN and time has come for a discussion on coalition govts.

Tagore had said the debate was no longer just about winning power but also about sharing it.

Though DMK has credited the alliance for its successive electoral victories, it has been consistently resisted demands for power-sharing arrangements.

DMK allies are also divided on the issue, as VCK, left parties and MDMK do not insist on coalition govt unlike Congress. Even within Congress there are voices, including that of TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai, who do not press for the demand.

Earlier, at a public meeting, Periyasamy said that there would be a ‘sweet news’ for women before the Pongal celebrations ended. “You would be celebrating Pongal on Jan 15, 16 and 17. Even as you have Pongal and celebrate the festival, there would be a sweet news from the govt,’’ he said.