P. Shanmugam, the State secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), on Saturday (May 16, 2026) said his party, along with the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), had extended support to Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government in order to prevent the imposition of President’s Rule in Tamil Nadu.

Talking to reporters after participating in a demonstration condemning the hike in the prices of petroleum products, Mr. Shanmugam made it clear that the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) had not supported the TVK.

“The TVK failed to secure a majority. Both the DMK and the AIADMK also could not get adequate numbers to form the government. The TVK is the only party that won the maximum number of seats, and it had the chance of forming the government. If it had not formed the government, President’s Rule would have been imposed in Tamil Nadu,” he said, explaining the reason behind supporting the TVK.

He said President’s Rule would have paved the way for the BJP to rule Tamil Nadu through the backdoor.

“We have prevented such an eventuality by supporting the TVK. The TVK should implement the promises it made to the people. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has promised good governance. Our support will depend on the performance of the government. We have supported him to avoid President’s Rule and prevent the formation of a government that would go against the verdict of the people,” he said.

‘LPG price hike led to job losses’

Earlier, speaking at the demonstration, he said the increase in the price of gas cylinders meant for commercial purposes had severely affected the hotel industry and resulted in job losses and the closure of hotels.

“The hike in the prices of petrol, diesel and gas will have a direct bearing on essential commodities. It will cause enormous hardship to the people. The Centre should withdraw the hike. The increase cannot be justified in the name of a rise in crude oil prices, especially since the Centre did not reduce prices when crude oil prices fell in the past,” he said.