Congress MP Manickam Tagore Dismisses Speculations of DMK Rift Ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections
Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Sunday firmly refuted ongoing speculations about a potential rift between the DMK and the grand-old party concerning seat sharing arrangements prior to the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. He confidently asserted that the Congress party will receive the "respect that is due" in these critical negotiations.
Alliance and Committee Formation Confirmed
While addressing reporters, Tagore reiterated that the Congress remains in a steadfast alliance with the DMK as an integral component of the INDIA bloc. He disclosed that a dedicated committee for seat sharing talks is scheduled to be formally established on February 22, marking a significant step forward in the electoral preparations.
"We are not like other parties that switch directions after merely putting on an indicator and turning right. We are a national party with principles. We are in an alliance with the DMK as part of the INDIA bloc," Tagore emphasized, highlighting the party's commitment to stability and ethical conduct.
Demands for Larger Seat Share and Power Sharing
Earlier on Saturday, Tagore had actively pushed his party's demand for a more substantial share of seats within the alliance framework. He specified that the Congress is seeking constituencies which the DMK had lost during the 2021 polls, underlining that "power-sharing was essential" for effective governance in the state.
However, this stance contrasts with recent statements from DMK leadership. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had previously ruled out the possibility of sharing power with allies, though he maintained that the alliance with Congress remains "intact" and free from confusion.
Response to DMK Leader's Assertions
Tagore's remarks were partly in response to comments made by DMK leader and state minister RS Raja Kannappan in Madurai on February 13. Kannappan had asserted that the DMK would contest 170 constituencies and confidently win 160 seats in the forthcoming election.
Reacting to this statement, Tagore, who represents the Virudhunagar constituency, posted on X: "In 2021, you contested in 173 seats and secured 133. What we are asking (now) are the seats which you failed to win."
He further reinforced the Congress's position on governance, stating, "Power sharing is necessary. The share in power is our right. The people will decide," while sharing a video clip of Raja Kannappan's speech where the DMK leader ruled out the possibility of a coalition government.
Background and Electoral Context
The Tamil Nadu assembly comprises a total of 234 seats. In the 2021 elections, the DMK-Congress alliance secured a victory in 151 seats, demonstrating a strong collaborative performance. Despite the current discussions and differing viewpoints, both parties continue to navigate the complexities of alliance politics with an eye on the upcoming electoral battle.
Stalin addressed the situation by noting, "We also know that it will not work in Tamil Nadu; they (Congress) know it too. It is a problem created by some people. They are deliberately conspiring to see if there will be a rift in the alliance. We are not worried about it. Rahul Gandhi is not worried either," indicating a resolve to maintain unity amidst external pressures.
