Chennai: Political tensions in Tamil Nadu have escalated after reports that the Congress is considering an alliance with actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move has drawn a sharp reaction from its long-time ally, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which has accused Congress of betrayal.
DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai did not hold back, calling the Congress “backstabbers” in an interview, as the party prepares to hold a crucial meeting to decide on Vijay’s alliance proposal.
DMK Credits Congress Wins To Alliance
Highlighting the recent election outcome, Annadurai said the Congress owed its limited success entirely to the DMK partnership.
“The five seats the Congress got in this election was because of the alliance with us. Otherwise, they would have drawn a blank,” he said, underscoring the DMK’s role in keeping Congress relevant in the state’s electoral landscape.
Questions Raised Over TVK’s Political Positioning
The DMK also questioned the ideological consistency of a potential Congress-TVK alliance. Annadurai suggested that TVK appears closer to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), pointing to what he described as a lack of criticism from Vijay towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP.
“TVK has never spoken a single word against the BJP or Modi. Vijay’s first thanks after the results was to Modi, not to the people who elected him,” he claimed.
The remarks signal growing discomfort within the DMK over any realignment that could weaken the broader opposition bloc.
Vijay’s TVK Emerges As Key Power Player
Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has rapidly transformed the political equation in Tamil Nadu. In its debut election, the party secured 108 seats, emerging as the single-largest party—just short of the majority mark.
While the TVK is exploring options to form the government with outside support, it has already ruled out any alliance with the BJP, citing ideological differences.
Future Of DMK-Congress Alliance Uncertain
The possibility of Congress aligning with TVK has raised questions about the future of its long-standing partnership with the DMK. Annadurai made it clear that the next move rests with the Congress leadership.
“When we speak of alliances like INDIA, they are based on ideology,” he said, adding that it is now up to Congress to decide its course.
With political equations shifting rapidly, Tamil Nadu could be heading towards a significant realignment, with Vijay’s rise adding a new layer of complexity to the state’s politics.