Congress-DMK Alliance in Tamil Nadu Faces Renewed Strain Over Governance Demands
The political alliance between the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu encountered fresh friction on Thursday, as Congress MP Manickam Tagore publicly countered chief minister MK Stalin's characterization of power-sharing requests as a "conspiracy". This development highlights ongoing internal discord within the coalition, with implications for its stability moving forward.
Tagore's Public Challenge to Stalin's Remarks
Manickam Tagore, a prominent advocate within the Congress for a role in governance, directly questioned Stalin's stance in a succinct post on social media platform X. He wrote, "How is it that seeking, in a spirit of friendship, a role (a share) in work to serve the people could be termed as conspiracy?" This pointed response, devoid of emojis as per guidelines, signals that a faction of the Congress remains steadfast in its demands, despite the DMK's clear opposition.
DMK Leadership's Firm Stance on Power-Sharing
Earlier, on Wednesday, DMK chief MK Stalin unequivocally rejected any notion of sharing power with alliance partners, while simultaneously affirming that the Congress-DMK partnership remains "intact" and free from confusion. Stalin asserted, "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." He emphasized continuity, adding, "The DMK-Congress alliance is in harmony. What others are expecting will not happen."
Reinforcing this position, senior DMK leader and Tamil Nadu forests minister RS Rajakannappan adopted a blunt tone, stating that the party does not rely on alliances for strength. He remarked, "If they come, let them come; if they go, let them go. It is the chief minister’s preference." Rajakannappan also invoked historical precedent to justify the DMK's stance, recalling, "When Kalaignar won more than 100 seats, did he allow a share in governance? When the DMK is poised to win 150 seats, how can we give a share?" He reiterated that only a "Dravida model" government under Stalin would prevail.
Mixed Signals Within the Congress Party
Within the Congress, responses have been varied. While Tagore argues that the decision between a single-party or coalition government should be left to the people, the party's state leadership has exercised caution. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai noted that Stalin expressed his view and added, "Every party has its own opinion. Our leaders voice their views. Everyone, including the AICC high command and the CM, will sit and discuss and take a good decision." He insisted there is "no opportunity" for a crack in the alliance.
Stalin's carefully crafted responses on power-sharing have so far asserted DMK dominance while avoiding direct confrontation with Congress leadership. However, his recent comments have placed the Congress in an uncomfortable position, forcing the party to navigate internal divisions and external pressures.
Analyst Perspectives on Alliance Dynamics
Political commentator Suguna Diwakar observed that many Congress functionaries are not particularly insistent on power-sharing, suggesting the party will likely remain with the DMK. Diwakar stated, "There is no strong demand from the Congress leadership for a share in power. None of the party top brass was adamant about their demand. Only stray voices such as AICC functionary Praveen Chakravarty and Congress MP Manickam Tagore made these demands." She added, "At least now they are strong with 18 MLAs and if they join an untested player like Vijay they will be reduced to a minor party in the state."
In contrast, political analyst TSS Mani indicated that a majority of Congress cadres and functionaries prefer aligning with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Mani explained that AICC general secretary KC Venugopal believes TVK president Vijay commands a significant fan base in Kerala and other southern states, which could benefit the Congress in the 2029 elections.
BJP Seizes on Alliance Tensions
The public tension between the DMK and Congress has provided ammunition for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP spokesperson Narayanan Tirupathy claimed that both allies are seeking an exit ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, describing the situation as a standoff. He alleged, "DMK feels Congress is a waste luggage to carry, and Congress feels the DMK may not return due to anti-incumbency," with each side waiting for the other to make the first move.
Future of the Alliance Amidst Growing Discord
For now, both parties maintain that their partnership endures. However, the increasingly public exchange of sharp words over power-sharing raises significant questions about how long this truce can hold. As negotiations over seat allocations and electoral strategy for the 2026 elections approach, the alliance's ability to present a united front will be critically tested. The ongoing strain underscores deeper ideological and strategic rifts that could reshape Tamil Nadu's political landscape in the coming years.
