The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Thursday declared that it will skip the upcoming INDIA bloc meeting scheduled for June 8 in New Delhi. The decision, led by party chief M.K. Stalin, stems from the Congress party's recent alliance with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a party founded by actor-turned-politician Vijay. The DMK, which lost power in Tamil Nadu after a single term in the recent assembly elections, expressed its discontent through a post on its official X handle.
DMK's Stance on the Alliance
In its statement, the DMK said, "The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will not participate in the 'India' alliance meeting in Delhi on June 8th, where the Congress is taking part! At the same time – on issues raised by other parties included in this meeting that harm the nation's welfare, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will always raise its voice." This move had been widely anticipated, as the DMK had already signaled a break in ties after the Congress allied with the TVK, which now governs Tamil Nadu.
Background of the INDIA Bloc
The INDIA bloc, a Congress-led opposition alliance formed in July 2023 ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, aims to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from securing a third consecutive term. However, the BJP managed to win a third term, albeit losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since 2014. The upcoming meeting will be the first in several months, set against the backdrop of recent assembly elections in five states and the Union territory of Puducherry. These elections strengthened the BJP while weakening the opposition, though the Congress secured a victory in Kerala after a decade.
Composition of the INDIA Bloc
Together, the INDIA bloc members hold 234 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha. The DMK, with 22 MPs, is the fourth-largest constituent of the alliance, following the Congress (99), the Samajwadi Party (37), and the Trinamool Congress (29). The DMK's absence from the meeting could impact the bloc's unity and strategic discussions.
The DMK's decision underscores the growing tensions within the opposition alliance, as regional parties assert their positions ahead of future electoral battles. The party has reiterated its commitment to raising its voice on national issues, even as it distances itself from the Congress-led coalition.
