Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M) State secretary P. Shanmugam said on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) that there was nothing wrong if the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) decided to join the government headed by Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C. Joseph Vijay.

“If they (VCK) think that there is an opportunity and it should be availed of, there is nothing wrong,” he said after participating in a demonstration in Chennai organised by the Left parties to condemn the hike in petroleum product prices.

Mr. Shanmugam said the CPI(M), Communist Party of India (CPI) and the VCK had taken a decision to support the TVK from outside. “If the VCK wants to join the government, it is for the party leadership to make a decision. I hope that they will discuss the issue with us. There is no need for them to toe the Left line on the issue,” he said.

However, he made it clear that the Left parties would reconsider their decision to support the TVK government if it chose to include All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) legislators in the Cabinet.

CPI State secretary M. Veerapandian said the three parties had taken the same stand — supporting the TVK government from outside. “We have to respect the verdict of the people, avoid another election and, above all, the imposition of President’s Rule,” he said.

Mr. Veerapandian said the support of the Left parties and the VCK was enough for the TVK government and that it need not entertain any other thought. “The Chief Minister should ponder over our suggestion,” he said.

Both the leaders said the hike in petroleum product prices would have a direct bearing on the cost of essential commodities and the sale of gas cylinders at prices much above the market rate.

“The Prime Minister, who has advised people to avoid travel, should first follow it,” Mr. Shanmugam said.

Mr. Veerapandian said the rich, corporates and the ruling class were not ready to adopt austerity measures, but expected ordinary people to follow them.