Congress breaks alliance with DMK after support to TVK for Tamil Nadu government

The Congress on Wednesday announced its decision to back Vijay’s Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in forming the next government in Tamil Nadu, effectively ending its long-standing alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the state. Party leaders indicated that this new partnership is intended not just for the immediate formation of government, but also for upcoming electoral contests, including local body polls and elections to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Despite this shift in Tamil Nadu, the Congress may continue to share space with the DMK within the broader INDIA bloc at the national level. Leaders pointed out that several parties within the alliance, such as the Left and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), often compete against each other in states while remaining aligned against the BJP nationally. However, this development is likely to raise fresh concerns about the cohesion and consistency of the opposition grouping.

Explaining the rationale behind the decision, AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu Girish Chodankar said the alliance with TVK is rooted in shared ideological commitments, including social justice and constitutional values associated with figures like Periyar and B R Ambedkar. He emphasised that the partnership is built on mutual respect and a balanced sharing of responsibilities, with a long-term political vision beyond the current government formation.

At the same time, the Congress made it clear that its support comes with conditions. Chodankar stated that the party would only extend backing if TVK ensures that no forces opposed to the constitutional framework—an implicit reference to the BJP—are included in the alliance. This position aligns with the Congress’s broader stance of keeping the BJP and its affiliates out of power in Tamil Nadu.

The move follows a formal request from Vijay seeking Congress support after the election results. According to the party, the mandate reflects a strong public preference, particularly among the youth, for a secular and progressive government. The Congress leadership framed its decision as a responsibility to uphold this mandate, asserting that its ideological foundations align with the expectations expressed by voters.

Internally, the decision appears to have been influenced by sentiment within the state unit and newly elected legislators, many of whom favoured aligning with the emerging political mood. Relations between the Congress and the DMK had already shown signs of strain in recent months, with limited joint campaigning and visible distancing between leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and M K Stalin.

While there had been earlier discussions within the Congress about exploring an arrangement with Vijay, the party leadership had initially chosen to remain with the DMK. The latest decision marks a clear departure from that position. In its statement, the Congress also highlighted a shared commitment between Rahul Gandhi and Vijay to honour the electoral verdict and work towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu, particularly its younger population.