Tamil Nadu Elections – Congress Defers Key Decisions to Central Leadership
Tamil Nadu Elections – With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections drawing closer, the state unit of the Congress has made it clear that crucial decisions will be taken by the party’s national leadership. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai said the state leadership would strictly adhere to the directions issued by the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
State Unit to Follow Central Command
Addressing reporters, Selvaperunthagai emphasized that only a month remains before the electoral process gains momentum. He reiterated that the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee will act in line with whatever strategy the AICC finalizes. According to him, there is no strain in the alliance between the Congress and its long-standing partner, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
He described the relationship between the two parties as stable and intact at a time when political preparations are intensifying across the state.
Seat-Sharing Talks to Be Led by AICC
On the sensitive issue of seat-sharing, Selvaperunthagai clarified that discussions would be handled exclusively by the central leadership. He pointed out that a resolution regarding alliance matters had already been adopted earlier in January and that further negotiations would be conducted at the national level.
He also indicated that he is scheduled to meet the Congress president soon, reinforcing that all decisions would flow from the top leadership. Party members, he added, have been instructed not to make independent public statements on the matter.
Message of Discipline Within the Party
Responding to comments made by Congress Member of Parliament Manickam Tagore, Selvaperunthagai reiterated that the AICC alone is authorized to negotiate alliance terms. He stressed that leaders have been advised to refrain from speaking to the media about internal discussions, underscoring the importance of maintaining party discipline during a crucial electoral period.
The emphasis on centralized communication appears aimed at preventing mixed signals as alliance talks continue.
Tagore Flags Delay in Alliance Committee Formation
Meanwhile, Congress MP Manickam Tagore expressed concern over delays in formal discussions with the DMK. Speaking to journalists in Tirupparankundram, he said the Congress was still waiting for the formation of a committee by its ally to begin structured talks on alliance arrangements.
Tagore noted that nearly 70 days had passed since the Congress was informed that such a committee would be set up. Although he acknowledged recent indications that the panel might be constituted later this month, he said the party expects due respect as a national political force.
He maintained that the Congress remains committed to its principles and will approach alliance negotiations with clarity and consistency.
Broader Alliance Context
The Congress and the DMK are key partners within the opposition’s INDIA bloc and have shared a long political association in Tamil Nadu. As preparations for the state elections gather pace, coordination and seat distribution remain central to alliance dynamics.
The DMK, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, continues to be a dominant force in state politics. Its performance in the previous Assembly election strengthened the alliance’s position, with the DMK-Congress combine securing a comfortable majority in the 234-member House.
Debate Over Past Election Performance
In a recent social media post, Tagore also referred to the DMK’s electoral record in 2021. Responding indirectly to remarks by a state minister about ambitious seat targets, he highlighted that the DMK had contested 173 constituencies in the last Assembly election and won 133.
Tagore raised questions about constituencies where the party did not succeed and underlined the importance of equitable power-sharing within the alliance framework. He stated that participation in governance is a legitimate expectation for alliance partners and emphasized that the electorate would ultimately decide the outcome.
As political activity intensifies across Tamil Nadu, both parties appear focused on maintaining unity while navigating the complexities of seat-sharing negotiations. With the election timeline approaching, clarity on alliance arrangements is expected to shape the next phase of campaign strategy.