P Shanmugam, state secretary of the CPI(M), a poll ally of the erstwhile ruling DMK, on Friday disputed the narrative that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had captured power through social media reels and that it was a “reel government”, rather than a “real government”.

Mr Shanmugam, whose party has extended outside support to the C Joseph Vijay-led coalition government, said the TVK had effectively tapped into public discontent against the DMK.

“The people felt the adverse impact of the neo-liberal policies pursued by the BJP and the DMK government. They were concerned about the concentration of wealth, exploitation of mineral resources, corruption and crimes against women and children. TVK highlighted the DMK government’s failure to fulfil several of its promises and delays in implementing others. The DMK should realise that welfare schemes alone are not enough to satisfy the people,” he said in a note titled New Political Climate and the Stand of the CPI(M).

According to him, the TVK, which had fallen short of the majority mark to form the government, had in its letter to the CPI(M) seeking its support listed out firm commitments to secularism and inclusive governance. “They reiterated those commitments when we met them. Taking all these factors into consideration, we decided to support the TVK government,” he said.

Mr. Shanmugam said the CPI(M) would welcome the implementation of welfare measures and policies that benefited the people along with the promises made by Mr Vijay.

“If the government introduces anti-people measures, the party will oppose them and fight against them,” he said.

He also made it clear the CPI(M) had no illusion that people’s problems could be fully resolved merely by winning a few seats in Parliament or the State Assembly.

“However, legislatures provide a platform to raise people’s issues and expose the wrongdoings of those in power,” he said.

He reiterated the claim that by extending support to the TVK, his party had prevented the imposition of President’s Rule or the formation of an AIADMK government with the support of the DMK.

Reacting to the sharp criticism directed at the CPI(M) by DMK supporters and sympathisers, Mr. Shanmugam said the proposal to form an AIADMK government with DMK support was driven by the agenda that no political force other than the Dravidian parties should be allowed to come to power.

“The proposal was aimed at ensuring the continuation of Dravidian-party rule. Does that represent the interests of Tamil Nadu in any way?” he asked.

He said the youth of Tamil Nadu had drawn lessons from their lived experiences and voted for a new political alternative. “Across the world, both Left-wing and Right-wing parties have come to power. We have witnessed the role played by youth in bringing about political change in countries such as Nepal and Sri Lanka. Is it right to deny such a change in Tamil Nadu?” he asked.