The Indian National Congress appears set to back Vijay and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in forming the next government in Tamil Nadu following the party’s strong performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, a move that has reportedly caused unease within its long-time ally, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
While several DMK leaders have criticised the Congress for moving closer to TVK after the election verdict, Congress MP and senior leader Manickam Tagore defended the party’s stand, arguing that the electoral mandate could not be ignored.
In a post on X, Tagore wrote, “The verdict has gone against the DMK government. Half the ministers in the Cabinet have lost their seats. We faced collateral damage for no fault of ours.
Now, BJP is eyeing Tamil Nadu. The question before us is clear:
Should we stand with those rejected by the people’s verdict, or should we unite with the force that fought against BJP and fight to stop BJP from ruling Tamil Nadu?”
The verdict has gone against the DMK government.
Half the ministers in the Cabinet have lost their seats.
We faced collateral damage for no fault of ours.
Now, BJP is eyeing Tamil Nadu.
The question before us is clear:
Should we stand with those rejected by the people’s verdict,…— Manickam Tagore .B🇮🇳மாணிக்கம் தாகூர்.ப (@manickamtagore) May 6, 2026
Speaking to reporters later, Tagore said the people of Tamil Nadu had delivered a decisive verdict and that political parties must respect it.
“As far as we are concerned, our people, the voters of Tamil Nadu–have made a clear decision. Some people had been saying things like, “This won’t suit the soil of Tamil Nadu,” or “Tamil Nadu will not accept a share in governance.” But the people of Tamil Nadu have given their answer. They have made their decision. So, we will see what happens next. As far as I know, I can only say this much. In the meeting I attended yesterday, during the political advisory committee discussion, certain decisions were taken. The announcement regarding those decisions can only be made by Girish Chodankar,” as reported in MoneyControl.
According to sources, the Congress is prepared to end one of its longest-standing alliances in Tamil Nadu and extend support to TVK with its five MLAs in order to help Vijay form the government.
Vijay is understood to have written to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge seeking support. Indications suggest the Congress leadership has responded positively and may also attempt to bring allies such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Left parties into the arrangement.
Congress leaders have projected the move as part of a broader anti-BJP strategy, arguing that the mandate in Tamil Nadu favours a secular front capable of preventing the Bharatiya Janata Party from gaining power in the state.
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