Congress High Command Halts DMK Exit Talks After Intense State Consultations
The Congress high command took a firm stand on Saturday to quash all speculation about leaving the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu. This decision followed a marathon closed-door meeting involving over 40 leaders from the state. Party leaders concluded that maintaining the alliance is crucial for both political and electoral reasons, especially with the 2029 Lok Sabha elections on the horizon.
Key Discussions and Unanimous Verdict
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi led the discussions. They made it clear that the alliance with the DMK will remain intact. Internal dissent about this partnership must no longer spill into public forums. Kharge questioned why some leaders were speaking out of turn, emphasizing the high command's role in such decisions.
The meeting unfolded in two phases. First, all 42 Tamil Nadu leaders addressed the leadership together. Then, individual sessions with Kharge and Gandhi allowed for candid feedback. Most leaders argued strongly against exiting the alliance. Instead, they demanded greater respect, better representation, and a larger seat share for the Congress in future elections.
Political Assessment Behind the Decision
Senior Congress leaders presented a blunt political assessment. Tamil Nadu stands as one of the few states where the party consistently achieves near-total electoral success through alliances. This includes the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, as well as the 2021 Assembly polls. Walking away now would jeopardize not just the 2026 Assembly arithmetic but also the party's ability to maximize MPs in 2029.
Former Union minister P Chidambaram highlighted the alliance's track record. He noted "80 to 100% success" for the Congress in recent elections. The DMK alliance secured around 46% of the votes in the last Lok Sabha election. Leaders also pointed out the absence of major anti-incumbency factors against the DMK government, such as law and order crises or natural disasters.
Internal Discipline and the Chakravarty Dossier
Tamil Nadu Congress president K Selvaperunthagai submitted a detailed report on Praveen Chakravarty, the party's research cell head. The dossier catalogued multiple statements by Chakravarty against the DMK alliance, complete with dates and timestamps. It also flagged his lack of sustained political activity in Tamil Nadu and actions deemed detrimental to party unity.
Kharge warned that public posturing on internal matters would no longer be tolerated. Small grievances should be addressed internally, not aired on social media. After the meeting, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal announced a clear directive. Leaders must maintain discipline, avoid speculation, and leave alliance decisions to the high command.
Future Demands and Electoral Strategy
While rejecting a break-up, Tamil Nadu leaders laid out a case for stronger assertion within the alliance. They seek not just Cabinet berths but better accommodation in local body elections, cooperative institutions, and welfare boards. This decentralized representation is seen as vital for rebuilding the party at the grassroots level.
The meeting reviewed the Congress's shrinking Assembly footprint over the past decade. From contesting 63 seats in 2011, the number dropped to 41 in 2016 and further to 25 in 2021. The consensus emerged that "more seat share means more opportunity." Leaders advocated for at least 39 to 40 seats in the upcoming Assembly polls to boost morale and organizational strength.
Countering Dissent and Political Caution
MP Manickam Tagore and Praveen Chakravarty presented the most sustained criticism of the DMK alliance. They argued that the Congress is not receiving its due respect and is treated unfairly. However, their views faced sharp opposition from other leaders, including MPs Jothimani and Sasikanth Senthil, who underscored the alliance's electoral significance.
Karti Chidambaram added a political caution about the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He described the fledgling outfit as untested, unproven, and inexperienced. Leaders noted that actor Vijay, its chief, has not yet articulated a coherent political program or demonstrated independent strength. Some cited his failure to acknowledge Rahul Gandhi's public support as emblematic of political immaturity.
The unanimous conclusion from the meeting is clear. The Congress must press harder for space and respect within the DMK alliance. Exiting it would send the wrong political signal and risk undoing the party's most reliable electoral arrangement. Every MP will count in 2029, making this alliance too vital to risk.
