A fresh political confrontation has erupted between the DMK and Congress after senior DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the proposed delimitation exercise, accusing the Congress of betraying Tamil Nadu and abandoning its former ally for political gain, as reported in Times of India.
The exchange comes amid speculation that the Centre may revive the Constitution Amendment Bill proposing an increase in the strength of the Lok Sabha along with a fresh delimitation of parliamentary constituencies. Although the legislation was defeated during the previous Parliament session, political discussions have intensified over the possibility of the government reintroducing the Bill.
During his visit to Tamil Nadu on Saturday, Rahul Gandhi warned that any political party supporting the proposed constitutional amendment would be remembered as a “21st century Ettappan,” invoking the name of the historical figure associated with betrayal in Tamil history.
Dayanidhi Maran Accuses Congress Of Betrayal
Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran accused the Congress of betraying the trust reposed in it by the DMK after years of political partnership.
“These are the people who traded our trust in them for mere ministerial berths.”
Maran also took a swipe at the Congress over its decision to end its alliance with the DMK and align with the TVK, describing the move as a betrayal after the Congress had benefited from the regional party’s support on several national political issues.
Escalating his criticism further, Maran likened the Congress leadership to “poisonous snakes” that sell trust to “buy” power, reflecting the DMK’s continuing resentment over the collapse of the alliance.
The remarks underscore the strained relations between the two former allies, particularly after the Congress severed ties with the DMK despite having contested elections together and receiving the party’s backing on several national issues, including support for Rahul Gandhi’s leadership.
Delimitation Debate Intensifies
The latest war of words has also renewed focus on the politically sensitive issue of delimitation.
Political circles have speculated that the BJP-led NDA could attempt to revive the constitutional amendment to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats and redraw parliamentary constituencies. Although the Centre has not officially announced any move to reintroduce the Bill, discussions around the proposal continue.
The BJP is reportedly hopeful that the widening rift between the Congress and the DMK could help secure support for key legislative measures, including the delimitation proposal.
The DMK, however, has maintained that it will decide its position only after studying the contents of the proposed legislation. The party has repeatedly asserted that any delimitation exercise must not adversely affect the political representation or interests of the southern states.
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks have also been viewed in political circles as reflecting concerns within the Opposition that the DMK could reconsider its stand if the Bill is brought back before Parliament.
Maran Broadens Attack On Rahul Gandhi
Apart from the delimitation issue, Maran also criticised Rahul Gandhi’s political messaging during his Tamil Nadu visit, accusing him of remaining silent on issues important to the state while selectively targeting political opponents.
“Those who come to Tamil Nadu and stay silent about Cauvery rights are traitors. Those who only talk about irregularities in the exam, rather than insisting on completely abolishing NEET are traitors. Those who condemn BJP’s horse-trading but ignore TVK’s disgusting horse-trading are merely continuing that betrayal.”
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