Though the DMK could not win the election, it has succeeded in sending most of its veteran and experienced members to the Assembly. Their presence is likely to help the Opposition to put up a spirited fight in the House.
“For the first time in the history of Assembly, the Opposition is going to have maximum numbers. In a democracy, it will pave way for good debates. But it remains to be seen whether the AIADMK government is going to allow them to express their views,” said Dravidian historian K. Thirunavukkarasu.
DMK treasurer and floor leader in the House M.K. Stalin said his party would take advantage of its status as the major opposition party with unprecedented strength and would fulfil the expectations of the people.
The last time the Assembly had substantial number of opposition members was in 2006 when the AIADMK had sixty one MLAs. Its ally Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi won two seats.
Third place
In 2011, the DMK was reduced to the third position in the Assembly as the Desiya Murpokku Draavida Kazhagam (DMDK) came second with 29 seats.
“We will make our voice heard on all vital issues concerning the people of Tamil Nadu,” said former DMK Minister and the party’s deputy leader in the Assembly Durai Murugan.
He said the lack of unity and coordination between Opposition parties came handy for the ruling party between 2011 and 2016.
“Now, the DMK itself has emerged as a single largest opposition party. The government cannot afford to ignore us,” reiterated Mr. Duraimurugan.
Till 8 pm on Thursday, the DMK had won 81 seats and its ally the Congress eight seat. Another ally of DMK, Indian Union Muslim League, had won one seat.
Besides Durai Murugan and party treasurer M.K. Stalin, the list of former Ministers includes K.N. Nehru, E.Ve. Velu, I. Periyasamy, Thangam Thennarasu, K.R. Periyakaruppan, N. Suresh Rajan, Poongothai Aladi Aruna and its whip Chakrapani.
“By virtue of our status as the main opposition party we will gain prominence in the Assembly and we will make the opportunity to make our presence felt,” said Mr. Velu.
Former Ministers who won the election will put up a spirited fight during debates
