CM Vijay's TVK alliance named ‘Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance’ | India News

Tamil Nadu’s new ruling party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, and its political partners on Wednesday named their coalition the "Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance" (SSJVA), solidifying a post-election bloc following a high-level coordination meeting near Chennai.The new alliance was formed under the leadership of TVK president and chief minister C Joseph Vijay, Tamil Nadu Congress committee president B Manickam Tagore announced after the meeting. Tagore added that the alliance’s name spoke volumes about the coalition's ideals and agenda, and that it would jointly fight the bypolls to three assembly seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.Also read:₹6.17 crore allocation for shifting CM's office"> ‘Tax money wasted for Vijay's luxury’: BJP questions ₹6.17 crore allocation for shifting CM's office"We will henceforth work together. We are on a strong foundation,” he said, adding that the combine would announce its candidates for the October 6 bypolls to three seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in a day or two.State health minister KG Arunraj echoed the sentiment, saying that the name was chosen unanimously."This is not just a name; it is a statement we are making today…. A new alliance is born," he said after the meeting attended by leaders of key alliance partners, including Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).Also read: CM Vijay clarifies row over his ‘body language’ in Tamil Nadu Assembly: ‘Not in any way intentional’The Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist), which offer 'outside' support to the TVK government, have clarified that they will not be part of the TVK-led alliance.Members of the allianceThe alliance was formed after the TVK secured 108 seats in the April 23 Tamil Nadu elections and formed a post-poll alliance with the Congress, Indian Union Muslim League, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), which was also a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Secular Progressive Alliance, also became part of the state’s ruling coalition on Wednesday. The VCK and IUML have one minister each in the council of ministers, while the Congress has two ministers.Also read: An extra 'F', a big row: EC now says will visit Bharat Ratna CNR Rao's house over SIR noticeAmong those present at Wednesday’s meetings were senior TVK leaders N Anand, KG Arunraj, Aadhav Arjuna, C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar. Tamil Nadu Congress legislative party leader Tharahai Cuthbert, party MP Praveen Chakravarthy, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) president Khader Mohideen, MDMK chief and MP Vaiko were also in the meeting.Alliance meeting amid rift buzzThe key alliance meeting comes days after Congress leaders from Tamil Nadu threatened to resign from the state cabinet if Vijay's TVK did not accept Rahul Gandhi as the next prime ministerial candidate.Tamil Nadu tourism minister S Rajesh Kumar had stated that both Congress ministers will resign if TVK fails to back Gandhi in the 2029 general elections.Kumar added that the party would not compromise on its stand, asserting that Rahul Gandhi is the only candidate the Congress party would support in the Lok Sabha elections.These remarks from the Congress come as the TVK continues to push Vijay as the next prime ministerial candidate.