In a stark internal critique, Congress Member of Parliament S. Jothimani has raised an alarm about the declining fortunes of her own party in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The MP has publicly alleged that the Congress party in Tamil Nadu is slipping onto a path of destruction, urging urgent corrective measures.
A Public Appeal for Course Correction
Jothimani's concerns were voiced through a social media post on January 2, 2026. She emphasized the critical role the party has historically played in the state and issued a passionate plea for it to reconnect with its core constituents. The central theme of her appeal was that the Congress must not forsake the people of Tamil Nadu.
She highlighted that the electorate in the state remains deeply committed to certain foundational principles. According to the MP, Tamil Nadu's people are steadfast in their fight for social justice, self-respect, and the protection of state rights. These ideals, she implied, are at the heart of the party's traditional appeal in the region.
The Core Warning: Abandoning Ideals for Electoral Schemes
Jothimani's statement carried a pointed warning against the party deviating from these core Dravidian-era values. She cautioned the leadership against succumbing to what she termed as communal and divisive schemes. This is interpreted as a critique of potential political alliances or strategies that might prioritize short-term electoral gains over the party's longstanding ideological commitment to secularism and social equity.
Her intervention suggests a growing fear within a section of the party that the Congress's unique political space in Tamil Nadu is eroding. By not championing the causes of social justice and state autonomy forcefully enough, the party risks becoming irrelevant, allowing other political forces to capture its vote base.
Implications for Congress's Future in the State
This public airing of grievances by a sitting MP signals significant internal discord and concern about the party's direction. The Tamil Nadu Congress unit has struggled to regain a strong foothold as a dominant force since the rise of powerful regional parties decades ago. Jothimani's remarks underscore the anxiety that the party may be further marginalizing itself.
The consequences of ignoring this warning, as per the MP's view, could be severe. If the party continues on its current trajectory, it might:
- Permanently lose the trust of its traditional supporters.
- Fail to present a compelling alternative to the ruling Dravidian parties.
- Become an inconsequential player in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
Jothimani's statement is more than just criticism; it is a call to action for the Congress to re-evaluate its strategy, reaffirm its core principles, and rebuild its connection with the people of Tamil Nadu who value the fight for social justice and state rights above all. The party's response to this internal alarm will be crucial for its survival and relevance in the state's politics.
