In a major setback for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance just days before the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23, 2026, the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council (TNBC), a Catholic body has withdrawn its earlier endorsement of the alliance, according to strong claims from opposition leaders and widespread social media reports. The move comes amid intense public backlash, internal Christian community dissent, and fresh legal complaints highlighting the politicisation of religious institutions and alleged misuse of foreign funds.
The office-bearers of the Tamil Thesiya Christian Iyakam demanded an explanation from the TNBC over distribution of pamphlets among parish members soliciting votes for the DMK alliance.
சிறுபான்மை மக்களின் ஆதரவை இழந்தது #திமுக.
Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council WITHDRAWS support for the secular (DMK) alliance! After facing widespread public backlash, the Tamilnadu Bishops Council has been forced to walk back its political endorsement. pic.twitter.com/Xp5aXyW88B
— Kovai Sathyan (@KovaiSathyan) April 19, 2026
The TNBC and associated Christian forums had earlier extended explicit support to the DMK alliance, praising its secular stance, welfare schemes, and opposition to the delimitation bill and proposed FCRA amendments. Senior church representatives, including a delegation led by Archbishop Dr. George Anthonysamy, had met Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to express gratitude and discuss issues such as exemptions for minority-aided schools, extension of welfare benefits, political reservation for Dalit Christians, and MBC status for Christian Vanniyars.
The withdrawal follows days of mounting pressure. Earlier this week, the TNBC and associated Christian forums had extended explicit support to the DMK alliance, praising its secular stance and welfare schemes while meeting Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. However, the decision triggered immediate criticism from within the community, with groups like the Tamil Thesiya Christian Iyakam questioning whether a formal resolution was even passed at the April 11 meeting.
Christian voters, concentrated in key districts like Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Chennai, Trichy East, have voted en-bloc to the DMK. The reported withdrawal could weaken the DMK alliance’s minority consolidation efforts with Joseph Vijay’s party TVK, a Catholic himself, is contesting.
Vijay, who identifies as Joseph Vijay and is a Christian, has actively courted the community, with reports of large crowds at his events, including women carrying placards featuring both Jesus and Vijay. Christians and Muslims, who together form nearly 15% of the electorate and traditionally backed the DMK-led alliance in 2021, are now seen as a contested bloc in the four-cornered contest.
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