TNCC Chief Meets Mallikarjun Kharge Over Congress Leaders' Remarks on DMK Alliance
In a significant development within the Congress party, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) chief Selva Perunthagai held a meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to address concerns regarding public statements made by party leaders about the alliance with the DMK. This meeting comes amid reports that certain Congress members have openly discussed alliance matters, despite an internal directive prohibiting such public commentary.
Violation of Party Diktat on Alliance Discussions
Selva Perunthagai has publicly accused Congress leaders Tagore and Chakravarthy of contravening the party line by speaking about the alliance and allies in public forums. According to sources, the Congress leadership had issued a strict diktat to avoid public discussions on alliance strategies to maintain party discipline and prevent potential conflicts with coalition partners like the DMK.
The remarks by Tagore and Chakravarthy are seen as a direct challenge to this directive, prompting the TNCC chief to escalate the matter to the national leadership. Perunthagai emphasized that such actions could undermine the party's unity and its electoral prospects in Tamil Nadu, where the Congress is a key ally of the ruling DMK.
Implications for Congress-DMK Relations
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the Congress party regarding its alliance dynamics in Tamil Nadu. The DMK, a long-standing ally, has been a crucial partner for the Congress in state and national elections. Public disagreements or unauthorized comments from Congress leaders could strain this relationship, affecting coordination and mutual trust.
Political analysts suggest that the meeting between Perunthagai and Kharge is aimed at reinforcing party discipline and ensuring that all members adhere to the established protocols. The Congress leadership is likely to issue warnings or take disciplinary action against those found violating the diktat, to prevent further escalation.
Broader Context of Indian Politics
This development occurs against the backdrop of increasing scrutiny on political alliances and internal party management in India. With elections on the horizon, parties are keen to present a united front and avoid public discord that could be exploited by opponents. The Congress party, in particular, is working to strengthen its position in Tamil Nadu, where it faces competition from rivals like the AIADMK and BJP.
The outcome of this meeting could set a precedent for how the Congress handles internal dissent and alliance management in other states. It underscores the importance of maintaining strategic silence on sensitive issues to preserve coalition harmony and electoral viability.
Reported by ETB Sivapriyan, Last Updated: 16 February 2026, 15:42 IST.
