Internal tensions within the Congress party in Tamil Nadu have surfaced publicly, with senior functionary Praveen Chakravarty launching a veiled critique against the state unit president. The criticism centres on the party's strategy for the upcoming assembly elections and its alliance with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
A Veiled Attack on State Leadership
Speaking to reporters in Coimbatore, Praveen Chakravarty, a key Congress data analyst and functionary, expressed his concerns about the party's weakening position in Tamil Nadu. He stressed that strengthening the party is the urgent need of the hour. However, he pointedly alleged that a few top-level functionaries are working against the party's interests due to what he termed "personal compulsions."
While not naming TNCC (Tamil Nadu Congress Committee) president K Selvaperunthagai directly, the attack was clearly aimed at him for not insisting on a formal power-sharing arrangement with the DMK. Chakravarty reminded everyone that the Congress has been out of power in Tamil Nadu for six decades and is continuously losing its political ground, making a revival imperative.
"Personal Compulsions" Over Party Interest
When questioned specifically about Selvaperunthagai's apparent reluctance to demand a share of seats or power, Chakravarty elaborated on his "personal compulsions" remark. He suggested that some sitting Congress MLAs and MPs might have their own reasons to avoid rocking the boat with the DMK.
"Some might want development work to be done in their constituencies, and some might have legal cases pending against them," he explained. Chakravarty then issued a stern warning, stating that no one should "bite the hand that feeds them," implying that functionaries should not act against the party that sustains their political careers.
Praise for Vijay Amidst Internal Critique
In a contrasting move, even while criticising his own party colleagues, Praveen Chakravarty praised Tamil actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay. He acknowledged Vijay's significant crowd-pulling ability, noting that people now see him as a politician rather than just a film star.
"He has become a political force in the state," Chakravarty stated, highlighting the shifting political landscape in Tamil Nadu where new entities are gaining traction while the Congress struggles to reclaim its space. This praise underscores the challenge for the Grand Old Party as it navigates alliances and its own internal dynamics ahead of crucial state polls.
