The Congress party has reportedly opened alliance discussions with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) even as uncertainty continues over its seat-sharing and power-sharing arrangements with the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu Congress election in-charge Girish Chodankar has confirmed that talks with TVK are underway. His remarks come amid growing speculation that the party could reconsider its position in the DMK front if its demands are not met.
Chodankar indicated in an interview to a private daily that while Congress has initiated alliance discussions with the DMK, it has not yet received a formal invitation for official negotiations and is currently waiting. At the same time, he acknowledged that Congress is also in dialogue with TVK, noting that such parallel political talks are routine.
Political observers view the confirmation as significant, as reports of backchannel discussions between Congress and the Vijay-led TVK had been circulating for several months.
Internal Discontent within Congress
The development follows visible unease within the Tamil Nadu Congress unit. At a recent Youth Wing executive and general council meeting held in Madurai, several party functionaries reportedly expressed frustration over what they described as the party being treated in a diminished manner within the DMK alliance.
Leaders at the meeting are understood to have warned that if the DMK does not allocate the number of seats sought by Congress, the party should explore contesting the elections in alliance with TVK. These concerns were conveyed to Congress MP Manickam Tagore, who chaired the meeting, and multiple resolutions were reportedly adopted.
Sources indicate that several second-rung Congress leaders have escalated the demand for exploring a TVK tie-up to the party’s national leadership, including president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Power Sharing Demand
Congress has reiterated that it has not backed down from its demand for a share in power in the prospective Tamil Nadu government, with Girish Chodankar stating that the party continues to press the demand at the state level even though it has no issues with power-sharing arrangements in local bodies. His remarks come despite Chief Minister MK Stalin having earlier ruled out coalition governance in the state. Chodankar maintained that Congress remains firm on the issue, arguing that no political party would refuse participation in governance, and indicated that the demand reflects the party’s position as a principal force within any alliance it joins.
Pressure Tactic or Strategic Shift?
Chodankar’s remarks are being interpreted in political circles as sending two clear signals: that Congress continues to press for a share in governance within the DMK alliance, and that it is keeping its options open by engaging with TVK.
Some observers see the move as a pressure tactic aimed at strengthening Congress’s bargaining position in ongoing alliance talks with the DMK.
From the DMK’s perspective, party sources suggest the ruling party has already conveyed that Congress is free to leave the alliance if it so chooses.
TVK Factor
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, founded by actor Vijay, is said to have generated considerable public attention despite being a relatively new entrant to Tamil Nadu politics. Chodankar noted that the party has recently formed its own negotiation committee and that discussions between the two sides are ongoing.
With formal seat-sharing talks between the DMK and Congress yet to begin, the key political question now is whether Congress will ultimately remain within the DMK-led alliance or pivot towards a new electoral understanding with TVK.
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