Chennai: In a move signaling the strengthening of ties between the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the Congress party, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay allocated the lone Rajya Sabha seat that had fallen vacant in Tamil Nadu to the national party on Wednesday. Congress sources indicated that AICC functionary Praveen Chakravarty is likely to be nominated for the Rajya Sabha by the party.
Allocation After Meeting with AICC In-Charge
The announcement from Vijay allotting the seat to Congress came shortly after AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu Girish Chodankar met with the Chief Minister. Chodankar praised the decision, stating, "Vijay has proved that he is a man of his word. By honoring his commitment and standing firmly by his promise, he has demonstrated principled leadership, political integrity, and respect for alliance partners. This decision reinforces faith in coalition politics based on trust and mutual respect."
A day prior, former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram also called on Vijay at the secretariat, further underscoring the growing rapport between the two parties.
Post-Poll Pact Behind Seat Allocation
Congress sources revealed that the allotment of the Rajya Sabha seat was part of the post-poll pact between the two parties. When the five MLAs of Congress decided to support the TVK government immediately after the assembly election results, the agreement included a provision for a Rajya Sabha seat. Congress had also decided on nominating Praveen Chakravarty for the seat whenever elections were held, sources said. Praveen Chakravarty, who is close to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, also enjoys a good rapport with Chief Minister Vijay, according to Congress members.
TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai told TOI that the official announcement regarding the party's Rajya Sabha candidate will be made by the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
Coalition Ethics Highlighted
The AICC in-charge emphasized that allocating the seat to Congress reflects coalition ethics. "This generous gesture reflects a deep commitment to coalition dharma (ethics), mutual respect among alliance partners, and the larger objective of strengthening democratic values. It sends a strong message that political cooperation can be built on trust, understanding, and a shared vision for the people," Chodankar said. He added that this further strengthened the ties between Vijay and Congress Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.
Background of the Vacancy
The vacancy for the Rajya Sabha seat arose after former AIADMK MP C Ve Shanmugam resigned from the post, having won in the assembly election.
Election Schedule
The last date for filing nominations is June 8, with scrutiny of nominations scheduled for June 9. The last day for withdrawal of nominations is June 11, and the election is set for June 18.
