Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday expressed gratitude to the Left parties and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) for consulting him before deciding to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. However, he launched a sharp attack on the Congress party for unceremoniously ending their long-standing alliance without even the courtesy of a meeting.
Stalin's Praise for Left and VCK
Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Stalin highlighted that the Left parties and VCK had shown respect by discussing their decision with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leadership beforehand. He termed this gesture as a mark of political ethics and mutual respect that has been the hallmark of the DMK's alliances over the years.
We value allies who consult and coordinate, Stalin said. The Left and VCK have demonstrated that they are true partners in the secular and progressive front. He emphasized that such consultations strengthen the opposition unity against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the national level.
Sharp Criticism of Congress
Stalin did not mince words when it came to the Congress party. He accused the grand old party of dumping the DMK's alliance within a day, without even sending its newly elected MLAs to meet him. This is not how alliances are treated, Stalin remarked. They did not even have the basic courtesy to inform us or meet us. After decades of partnership, this is a betrayal.
He further alleged that the Congress decision was driven by pressure from the BJP and internal factionalism within the Tamil Nadu Congress unit. The people of Tamil Nadu will judge such opportunism, Stalin added.
Political Context
The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are shaping up to be a multi-cornered contest. The DMK, which has been in power since 2021, is facing a challenge from the TVK, a new political outfit floated by actor-turned-politician Vijay. The Left parties and VCK have decided to support TVK, dealing a blow to the DMK's alliance arithmetic.
Stalin's comments come amid intense political realignments in the state. The DMK is now left with the Congress as a major ally, though relations are strained. The Congress, for its part, has not yet officially responded to Stalin's remarks.
Implications for the Elections
Political analysts say that Stalin's criticism of Congress could further widen the rift between the two parties. With the Left and VCK moving to the TVK camp, the DMK may need to forge new alliances or consolidate its core vote base. The Congress, meanwhile, is seen as a weakened force in Tamil Nadu after its poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Stalin concluded by saying that the DMK will continue to fight for secularism and social justice, regardless of who supports or opposes it. We are not dependent on any party for our survival, he asserted.
