Differences Widen Within INDIA Alliance in Tamil Nadu
Cracks within the INDIA Alliance are becoming increasingly visible in Tamil Nadu, with alliance partners openly disagreeing over the possible inclusion of actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). While the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Congress have advocated broader opposition unity to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the national level, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has firmly rejected any proposal to accommodate TVK within the alliance.
VCK Calls for a Kerala and West Bengal Model
VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan suggested that Tamil Nadu should adopt a political strategy similar to the one followed in Kerala and West Bengal, where opposition parties often cooperate at the national level despite contesting each other in state politics.
However, the DMK leadership dismissed the suggestion, stating that the political dynamics of Kerala and West Bengal cannot be replicated in Tamil Nadu and that the state’s political landscape is fundamentally different.
DMK Accuses Congress of Political Betrayal
The DMK accused the Congress of betraying the alliance by extending support to TVK after contesting the Assembly elections alongside the DMK. The ruling party asserted that there is no possibility of entering into an alliance with Vijay’s party under the current political circumstances.
DMK MP Targets Congress Over TVK Issue
DMK MP Ganapathi P. Rajkumar launched a sharp attack on the Congress, alleging that it sided with TVK in pursuit of ministerial positions and effectively “backstabbed” the DMK.
He further claimed that the Congress is now using the VCK as a political tool to pressure the DMK into accepting TVK within the INDIA Alliance.
Rajkumar also questioned the logic behind inducting a party that does not have a single Member of Parliament, asking why the alliance should seriously consider including TVK despite its lack of parliamentary representation.
Congress Stresses Need for Wider Opposition Unity
In contrast, Congress MP Jyothimani argued that defeating the BJP requires a broader and more united opposition front.
She said political differences should be set aside in the larger national interest and emphasized that all opposition parties must work together to protect democratic values and strengthen the INDIA Alliance.
DMK Asks Congress to Convince Vijay First
Responding to the Congress’ stand, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said that the Congress should first convince Vijay himself, pointing out that the TVK leader has consistently identified the DMK as his principal political rival.
Elangovan questioned how an alliance could be possible when Vijay continues to position the DMK as his main opponent, urging the Congress to explain how such a political arrangement would work.
Alliance Faces Fresh Challenges Ahead
The disagreement has exposed growing tensions among INDIA Alliance partners in Tamil Nadu. While the Congress and VCK believe that expanding the alliance is essential to challenge the BJP nationally, the DMK remains unwilling to compromise on its state-level political interests by accommodating TVK.
With future elections approaching, the issue is expected to remain a major point of contention within the opposition bloc, raising fresh questions about the cohesion and strategy of the INDIA Alliance in Tamil Nadu.
