DMK says Tamil Nadu’s political landscape is different, accuses Congress of betraying the alliance after the Assembly elections.
July 12, 2026: Differences within the INDIA bloc have surfaced in Tamil Nadu after the DMK rejected a proposal to follow the Kerala and West Bengal model of opposition politics. The proposal, supported by the VCK and backed by the Congress, suggested that the DMK and the ruling TVK remain rivals in the state while cooperating nationally against the BJP. However, the DMK dismissed the idea, arguing that Tamil Nadu’s political situation is unique and cannot be compared with other states.
The controversy began after VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan proposed adopting the model followed in Kerala and West Bengal, where parties compete in state elections but unite at the national level. Supporting the proposal, Congress said opposition unity against the BJP should remain the priority. DMK MP Ganapathi PVRajkumar rejected the suggestion, alleging that Congress abandoned alliance principles after the Assembly elections by supporting the TVK government in pursuit of power. He also questioned whether the TVK, which currently has no representation in Parliament, should even be considered for inclusion in the INDIA bloc.
The disagreement comes after Congress ended its long-standing alliance with the DMK and backed the TVK-led government following the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. While the VCK and the IUML joined the government, the CPI and CPM extended outside support. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan maintained that the TVK has repeatedly identified the DMK as its main political rival, making any alliance unrealistic. The dispute has exposed fresh divisions within the INDIA bloc and raised questions about opposition unity ahead of future national elections.