With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching, senior Congress leaders have renewed their demand for more seats and a share in power within the DMK-led alliance.
Former Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. S. Alagiri has called for a “rightful share in governance” for the Congress party within the DMK-led alliance, asserting that the current coalition arrangement is detrimental to the party’s growth and dignity.
In an interview with The Hindu Tamil, Alagiri said the Congress had made repeated sacrifices for the alliance and that it was time to “change this coalition philosophy.” He noted that the party, which once contested 110 assembly seats, is now limited to 25 under the DMK alliance. “This shows that the existing formula is not working for us,” he said, emphasizing that the demand for a share in power was “essential for the survival and dignity” of the Congress.
Alagiri clarified that his criticism was not directed at Chief Minister MK Stalin or the DMK leadership. “Among the current alliances, we consider the DMK under the leadership of Stalin to be a fair ally. That is precisely why we are putting forth this demand,” he said.
When asked about possible repercussions if the DMK rejected the demand, Alagiri expressed confidence that the party’s national leadership would support his position. Recalling an earlier dispute during his tenure as TNCC president over seat allocations in local body elections, he said the then Congress president Sonia Gandhi had upheld his stand after hearing his reasoning.
Alagiri said he had refused to retract a statement accusing the DMK of “violating alliance ethics” after the Congress was allotted only two union councils, while smaller parties were given more. “When I met Sonia Gandhi, I explained the situation, and she said, ‘What Alagiri says is right. Then why are you troubling him?’” he recalled.
Despite his criticism of the current power-sharing arrangement, Alagiri dismissed talk of regime change in Tamil Nadu. He said the present DMK government was functioning efficiently and that Chief Minister Stalin’s administration was “policy-driven and sincere.” “It is our duty—and everyone’s duty—to strengthen his hands,” he added.
Reflecting on the Congress’s long-term aspirations, Alagiri said a “Kamaraj-style government” could emerge in Tamil Nadu only if Congress leaders and cadres aimed beyond individual electoral success. “If Congress workers believe it is enough to become MLAs or MPs, a Kamaraj-style government can never be achieved. The goal should be for a Congressman to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,” he said.
He added that the Congress has the capacity to rebuild itself in the state through hard work and unity but acknowledged that “the time for it has not yet arrived.”
In September 2025, Alagiri said it was the Congress’s right to seek more Assembly seats and a share in power within the DMK alliance ahead of the 2026 polls. Rejecting speculation of a rift, he called the DMK a “friend” and said Congress only sought fair representation. His remarks followed AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s criticism of TNCC chief K. Selvaperunthagai for being “more loyal to the DMK than Congress.” Selvaperunthagai hit back, accusing Palaniswami of hypocrisy for allying with the BJP and recalled earlier DMK jibes about Palaniswami “crawling” to secure power under V. K. Sasikala.
(Source: Hindu Tamil)
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