IUML adopted resolution to continue TVK alliance in bypolls, civic polls: Minister Shahjahan

TIRUVARUR: After joining C Joseph Vijay-led TVK to capture power in the face of a series of political uncertainties, the Indian Union Muslim League on Sunday said it would remain in the alliance and support the coalition leader in the upcoming local body elections and Assembly bypolls.

Speaking to reporters after the party's general council meeting in Tiruvarur, senior leader and Minorities Welfare Minister Shahjahan said the council adopted a resolution in this regard, reaffirming the IUML's decision to continue the alliance in the forthcoming elections.

The comment assumed significance, as the coalition partners, including the smaller parties sharing power in the State government, have not formally come together as an alliance yet, nor have they agreed on even a name for the partnership. Also, many of the partners, especially the CPI and CPM, and the VCK, are not on board with the TVK over a variety of issues, including the alleged poaching of MLAs from the opposition AIADMK.

Earlier, after the previous general council meeting of the party in Chennai on June 20, IUML president KM Khader Mohideen had said that the party would take a decision on its future electoral alliance only after the bypolls and local body elections are announced. He added that the IUML expected adequate representation in future elections, including local body polls.

The decision on Sunday indicates the party's desire for a larger role in the alliance with the TVK, and also its efforts to corner respectable tickets in local body polls.