Left Parties Skip Vijay's Coalition Dinner, Signal Independent Political Stand

The **Communist Party of India (CPI)** and the **Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M)** have declined an invitation to attend a meeting and dinner hosted by **Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay**, making it clear that they are **not formal members of the ruling alliance**, despite extending outside support to the government.

According to leaders from both parties, attending the event—organized exclusively for coalition partners—could create the impression that the Left has officially joined the ruling alliance. CPI State Secretary **M. Veerapandian** said the decision reflects the parties' commitment to maintaining their independent political identity while continuing issue-based support to the government.

The CPI and CPI(M) have backed the TVK-led government on several key policy and public welfare matters since it came to power. However, both parties stressed that their support is **based on policies and public interest**, not on a formal political alliance.

The Left parties also clarified that skipping the dinner should not be interpreted as a sign of disagreement with the government. They reaffirmed that they will continue cooperating on issues concerning workers, farmers and other vulnerable sections of society, while retaining the freedom to raise concerns whenever necessary.

Although they will not attend the dinner, leaders of both CPI and CPI(M) are scheduled to meet Chief Minister Vijay later at the Secretariat. During the meeting, they are expected to submit a memorandum highlighting issues related to labour welfare and other public concerns, seeking government intervention.

The move underlines the Left parties' attempt to strike a balance between **supporting the government on policy matters** and **preserving their independent political identity**.