Chennai/Delhi: INDIA bloc allies VCK and CPI (ML) on Monday criticized the Congress over its alliance strategy in the recent assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal. DMK sources told TOI the party would join the INDIA bloc only if Congress is not part of it. “We will not be a signatory of the letter to CJI on SIR,” a senior DMK leader said.
Congress-DMK Rift Discussed at INDIA Bloc Meeting
Sources in Delhi said the manner in which Congress severed its ties with DMK came up at the INDIA bloc meeting on Monday. “Some members didn’t mince words when criticising Congress for the way it dealt with DMK. Left parties also raised objections over Congress attacking CPM in Kerala, where the Left was accused of having a deal with BJP by leaders including Rahul Gandhi.”
VCK Chief Expresses Dissatisfaction
At the meeting, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan said the Congress had caused dissatisfaction among several constituents. He said Congress’ strategy in Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu weakened parties that have been key pillars of the alliance, including DMK, TMC and CPM. “This is neither desirable nor beneficial to the larger cause of opposition unity,” the VCK leader said, urging Congress to reassess its approach and work to strengthen and consolidate the alliance. A VCK leader privy to the meeting said CPI (ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya accused Congress of sidelining DMK for a ministerial berth in the TVK government.
DMK Skips Meeting, Sets Condition
A founding member of INDIA bloc, DMK skipped Monday’s meeting, saying it was doing so to respect the sentiments of party cadres who were hurt by what it called Congress “betrayal” after the election. “DMK will join the INDIA bloc if the Congress is not a constituent,” a senior DMK leader told TOI.
Congress Defends Its Position
Expressing surprise over Thirumavalavan’s remarks, Congress MP Manick Tagore asked how Congress’ attempt to strengthen itself in Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu could weaken the alliance, arguing that every partner has the right to build its organization and vote bank. He said the INDIA bloc would remain strong only if Congress is strong, and that the alliance’s objective is not to restrict any partner’s growth but for all parties to expand their political bases and work together towards a common goal.
(With inputs from Ambika Pandit)
