Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has strongly criticized his party's decision to form an alliance with the Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC), terming it a move that 'smacks of low political opportunism.' In a statement issued on Friday, Aiyar expressed his dismay, saying he cannot imagine the founding fathers of the Indian National Congress blessing such a 'politics of expediency.'
Aiyar's sharp rebuke
Aiyar, a former Union minister, questioned the ideological consistency of the Congress party in allying with the TMC, a party that broke away from the Congress in 1996. He argued that such alliances dilute the party's core values and undermine its historical legacy. 'This decision is driven by short-term electoral gains rather than long-term principles,' Aiyar said.
Background of the alliance
The Congress party announced its tie-up with the TMC ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections, aiming to strengthen its presence in the state. The TMC, led by G.K. Vasan, was formed after a split from the Congress over organizational issues. The alliance is seen as a strategic move to counter the dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu politics.
Aiyar's comments have sparked a debate within the party, with some leaders supporting his view while others defend the alliance as a necessary step to revive the party's fortunes in the state. The Congress leadership has not yet responded to Aiyar's criticism.
