Congress Leaders Head to Delhi for Crucial Alliance Talks with Rahul Gandhi
Senior Congress leaders from Tamil Nadu are preparing for a significant meeting in New Delhi this Saturday. Former and sitting MPs and MLAs will gather to discuss the party's strategy for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. Rahul Gandhi has convened this meeting, which will also include All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Power-Sharing Demands Take Center Stage
The meeting comes at a crucial time for the Tamil Nadu Congress. Party functionaries hold different views about their electoral alliance with the DMK. One section remains comfortable with the current arrangement, while another group actively pushes for a formal power-sharing agreement.
This second faction believes the existing alliance structure limits the Congress party's growth in the state. They argue that being allies without sharing power creates difficulties. "When something goes wrong then we are unable to criticise DMK as we are allies. This situation does not benefit Congress," explained one Tamil Nadu Congress leader.
DMK's Firm Stance and Internal Divisions
DMK leaders have already rejected the power-sharing demand. A highly placed DMK source stated firmly, "There is no compromise at any cost. Except for Manickam Tagore, Rajesh Kumar and Praveen Chakravarty, everyone will favour us (DMK)."
Despite this resistance, Congress leaders plan to raise the subject during formal alliance talks. They believe the current arrangement prevents them from effectively serving the people of Tamil Nadu.
TVK Alliance Speculation and Election Strategy
Some Congress leaders have shown interest in forming an alliance with actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazagham (TVK). They hope the actor-politician's substantial fan base could benefit the party, particularly in Kerala where elections are also scheduled this year.
However, most leaders are expected to support continuing the existing DMK alliance during Saturday's meeting. Only a small group critical of DMK and leaning toward TVK will likely demand power-sharing as a precondition for alliance continuation.
Setting the Tone for Discussions
Congress MP Manickam Tagore set the tone for the meeting with a social media post on Friday. He clarified that Congress never seeks "lucrative" portfolios when sharing power with allies. Instead, the party only wants ministries that offer better opportunities to serve the people.
Senior Congress leaders have downplayed the significance of Saturday's gathering. Congress general secretary in-charge (organisation) K C Venugopal stated simply, "We are doing all state level meetings. Nothing else."
Official Statements and Future Plans
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai dismissed speculation about parallel talks with TVK. He confirmed, "In the meeting, we will discuss election preparedness and finalise our plans."
Congress in charge for Tamil Nadu, Girsh Chodankar, told reporters that Saturday's meeting will focus on preparations and exchanging ideas. Regarding power-sharing discussions, he indicated such matters would be addressed in a separate alliance committee meeting that has not yet been scheduled.
Support from Senior Leaders
AICC general secretary Sachin Pilot publicly supported the power-sharing demand from some Congress leaders. "Every political party wants representation. I think there is nothing wrong in the Congress cadre asking for measures so that they can help the people of TN," he told reporters in Chennai.
Pilot also appreciated the DMK government's performance while making his comments. "Whatever happens in the future, the BJP and NDA will never find a foothold in TN politics. I think the (state) govt did a good job," he added.
The Saturday meeting represents a critical moment for Congress as it prepares for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The discussions will shape the party's approach to alliances and power dynamics in the southern state.
