Congress party functionaries and elected representatives from Tamil Nadu gathered in New Delhi on Saturday for a crucial meeting. They unanimously entrusted AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi with making key decisions about the alliance and seat sharing with the DMK for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections.
High Command to Guide Election Strategy
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal addressed reporters after the meeting. He stated that the party high command will take appropriate decisions regarding election strategy in due course. These decisions will consider the larger interests of both the party and the people of Tamil Nadu.
Key Attendees and Discussions
Mallikarjun Kharge chaired the meeting, which lasted over three hours. Rahul Gandhi, K C Venugopal, TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai, MPs P Chidambaram, Manickam Tagore, Karti Chidambaram, and Professionals' Congress chief Praveen Chakravarty were among the prominent attendees.
Following the main session, Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Venugopal, joined by AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu Girish Chodankar, held one-on-one meetings with functionaries. They gathered individual views on the alliance matters.
Clear Directions on Discipline
The Congress top brass issued clear instructions to all functionaries. They emphasized maintaining strict discipline and avoiding public statements on alliance issues. Leaders were advised to speak with one voice in alignment with party decisions.
Internal Viewpoints on Alliance
The meeting at the party's Indira Bhawan headquarters occurred amid internal debates about the DMK alliance. Two main viewpoints emerged among Congress members.
- One group advocated for a power-sharing arrangement with the DMK if the alliance wins and forms the government.
- Another faction suggested exploring an alliance with actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). This perspective considers the larger prospects for Congress in states like Kerala, which also faces elections alongside Tamil Nadu.
Concerns Raised by Functionaries
Sources revealed that some functionaries informed the leadership about immature actions by colleagues. These actions reportedly caused rifts in the Congress-DMK alliance. A few leaders raised concerns about alleged disrespect shown by DMK members. They also mentioned not being adequately considered for appointments in various boards and trusts.
A senior leader familiar with the discussions noted that the predominant view favors continuing the alliance with the DMK. The goal is to secure a share in power by obtaining more seats in this election.
Leadership's Response and Future Steps
K C Venugopal described the meeting as detailed and very fruitful. He said the leadership patiently listened to all opinions and gave leaders full opportunity to express their views. The discussion remained constructive, focusing on strengthening the party and its future strategy in Tamil Nadu.
When asked about the internal view on seeking a power-sharing arrangement with the DMK, Venugopal reiterated his earlier statement. He added that concerns from the over forty leaders present were heard both individually and collectively. Different views exist, and the leadership has heard them. Discussions from this meeting will guide future decisions in due course.
Kharge's Confidence in Tamil Nadu Voters
Mallikarjun Kharge shared a video clip from the AICC headquarters meeting on social media platform X. He expressed confidence that the people of Tamil Nadu would choose equality, social justice, empowerment, and good governance. He contrasted this with what he called the bigotry, sectarianism, anti-federal, and discriminatory politics of the RSS-BJP.
Kharge added that the Congress party is determined to play an important role in fulfilling the aspirations of the state's people.
TNCC to Follow AICC Decisions
TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai told reporters that the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee would follow the decisions made by the AICC. He also mentioned that the leadership was upset about functionaries discussing alliance matters publicly.
