Tensions within the DMK-led alliance have spilled once again onto the streets of Madurai North, where rival poster campaigns by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Indian National Congress have exposed growing friction between the two partners even before seat-sharing talks are finalised.
The latest flashpoint came after DMK functionaries plastered fresh posters across Madurai North in February declaring support for sitting MLA K. Thalapathi. The posters carried messages urging that Thalapathi should “continue” and “win Madurai North,” signalling the DMK’s intent to retain the constituency.
View this post on Instagram
The move follows an earlier round of Congress posters that had appeared in January 2026 across several parts of the constituency. Those posters urged voters to support the Congress “hand” symbol and appealed to the electorate of Madurai North, creating the impression that the party was preparing to contest the seat.
Congress workers had put up the posters in January 2026 despite the fact that Madurai North is currently represented by a DMK MLA, and no formal allocation of constituencies has yet been announced within the alliance.
While the Congress material did not name any specific candidate, the messaging was widely interpreted within DMK circles as a pre-emptive claim over the seat. The development triggered unease among DMK cadres and fuelled speculation about strain within the alliance.
War of Words Before the Posters
The poster confrontation comes in the backdrop of sharp remarks made earlier by Madurai North MLA K. Thalapathi, who is also the DMK’s Madurai city district secretary.
Speaking at a public meeting held to mark Language Struggle Martyrs’ Day, Thalapathi had criticised the Congress and its MPs, including Manickam Tagore and Jothimani. He alleged that the Congress typically secures only around 3,000 to 4,000 votes in a constituency and lacks the cadre strength even to constitute booth committees.
The comments drew a swift response from Congress leader Manickam Tagore, the Virudhunagar MP, who publicly urged Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to ensure that the party contests the Madurai North Assembly seat. Tagore also raised objections with Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Selva Perunthagai over the DMK leader’s remarks.
DMK Counters With Fresh Posters
With seat-sharing negotiations still unresolved, the DMK’s February poster campaign backing Thalapathi is being viewed by political observers as a countersignal to the Congress.
Local party sources indicate that the duelling poster campaigns have sharpened cadre-level tensions in Madurai North, a constituency the DMK is keen to retain.
Alliance Talks Under Watch
The public display of competing claims has drawn attention because both parties remain partners in the broader alliance framework. However, the latest developments suggest that ground-level positioning has begun well ahead of any formal announcement on constituency allocation.
This also comes amidst Congress suggesting that they could ally with TVK.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
