Congress MP Jothimani has levelled serious allegations against the Congress party’s constituency allocation and candidate selection process for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, claiming that large-scale irregularities and corruption took place during the exercise.
In a detailed statement posted on X, the Karur MP alleged that constituencies were not identified first and then allotted to suitable candidates. Instead, she claimed that candidates were selected in advance and constituencies were subsequently negotiated and secured to accommodate them.
Jothimani alleged that “under the guise of surveys,” large-scale corruption had taken place during the candidate selection process. She further claimed that senior party workers who had served the Congress for decades, including individuals with strong chances of winning, were sidelined, while newcomers and candidates with little or no electoral prospects were given opportunities after constituencies were specifically sought for them.
She also questioned the basis on which several candidates were chosen, pointing out that some of those who were given tickets either left the party or became inactive within days of the election.
In her statement, Jothimani said, “In the constituency allocation and candidate selection process for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, massive irregularities have taken place within the Congress party. Constituencies were sought and allocated to suit candidates who had already been selected. Under the guise of ‘surveys,’ large scale corruption has reportedly occurred. Senior party workers who have served the party for decades and individuals with genuine winning prospects were completely sidelined, while many newcomers and candidates with little or no electoral prospects were given opportunities after constituencies were specifically negotiated for them. Some of those who were given the opportunity to contest elections either left the party or became inactive within days after the election. Who gave these individuals opportunities? On what basis were they selected? What action has been taken against those responsible for these mistakes? Without conducting an inquiry into constituency allocation and candidate selection, forming a committee only to investigate alleged anti-party activities during the election is merely an arrangement to protect those who are actually responsible for the wrongdoing. The committee involved in constituency allocation and candidate selection was headed by Tamil Nadu in-charge Mr. Girish Chodankar. According to Congress party rules, allegations against that committee can only be investigated by the All India Congress Committee. Office bearers of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee do not have the authority to conduct such an inquiry. If the Congress party genuinely wants to reform itself, it must conduct a proper investigation into the Tamil Nadu Assembly election process. Strict action must be taken against those responsible for the irregularities. Only then can the confidence of party workers be restored. In several state elections, allegations regarding constituency allocation and candidate selection continue to arise. At times, these very issues become one of the reasons for electoral defeat. Yet instead of conducting inquiries, those responsible are often protected. Watching the Tamil Nadu candidate selection process from close quarters was deeply shocking. Such open and blatant irregularities will become a major setback to the future of the party. The Congress party carries the historic responsibility of protecting this country from the BJP and Narendra Modi. Our Leader Rahul Gandhi ji has been fighting uncompromisingly for this cause. However, such internal irregularities are steadily eroding the confidence of Congress party workers. If we are to stand firmly as a strong opposition force and succeed politically, the voices of grassroots workers and district and block presidents within the party must be respected. The party must function with honesty and transparency. Let the electoral reforms that the Congress party urgently needs begin from Tamil Nadu.”
In the constituency allocation and candidate selection process for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, massive irregularities have taken place within the Congress party.
Constituencies were sought and allocated to suit candidates who had already been selected. Under…
— Jothimani (@jothims) May 29, 2026
The remarks are significant as they come after the Assembly elections and the formation of the new government, and also because Jothimani had raised concerns about candidate selection even before the elections were held. The present allegations have renewed scrutiny of the Congress party’s candidate selection process in Tamil Nadu.
During the seat-sharing negotiations with its alliance partner, the Congress secured 28 Assembly constituencies and one Rajya Sabha seat. Of the 28 constituencies, candidates for 27 seats were announced relatively early. The only exception was Madurai Melur, where the candidate was announced just one day before polling.
The eventual candidate, former Kanchipuram MP Viswanathan, had no apparent connection to the constituency, leading to criticism at the time. However, he went on to win the election and currently serves as the state’s Higher Education Minister.
Questions were also raised regarding the candidature of Tamil Kumaran in Pennagaram. Tamil Kumaran, the son of PMK honorary president G.K. Mani, joined the Congress shortly before being selected as the party’s candidate. His rapid elevation triggered criticism within political circles. Allegations subsequently emerged that money had influenced candidate selection decisions, with suspicion being directed at sections of the state leadership.
Jothimani’s latest statement echoes concerns voiced by several Congress workers during the election period, when allegations surfaced that long-serving party functionaries had been denied opportunities despite having stronger electoral prospects than some of the candidates eventually selected.
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