Election Alliance – Congress Backs TVK to Block BJP Influence in Tamil Nadu
Election Alliance – Congress has decided to support actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) after the party emerged as the largest force in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, falling short of a majority by a narrow margin. The move has sparked fresh political debate across the state, especially after criticism from its long-time ally, the DMK.
Congress Explains Decision to Support TVK
Congress MP Manickam Tagore defended the party’s decision, saying the support was aimed at preventing the BJP from gaining influence in Tamil Nadu politics. According to him, parliamentary systems often witness both pre-election and post-election alliances depending on the outcome of the vote.
TVK, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, secured 108 seats in the Assembly election, making it the single largest party but still short of the 118 seats needed for a majority. Following the result, Vijay reportedly approached the Congress leadership seeking support to form a stable government.
Tagore said the Congress leadership discussed the proposal internally before authorising the state political affairs committee to take a final decision on the alliance.
DMK Criticism Triggers Political Tension
The decision has strained Congress relations with its former ally, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Leaders from the DMK criticised Congress for extending support to TVK and described the move as a betrayal.
Responding to the criticism, Tagore dismissed the comments as statements made by lower-level party representatives. He maintained that Congress remains focused on supporting secular political forces in Tamil Nadu and resisting communal politics.
The Congress leader also clarified that, despite its history with the DMK, the party retains the authority to make independent political decisions based on changing electoral circumstances.
Questions Over Wider Opposition Support
Several parties within the broader opposition camp, including the Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian Union Muslim League, are reportedly cautious about aligning themselves with TVK.
Tagore avoided commenting on the stand taken by these parties but confirmed that Vijay had reached out to multiple political groups following the election results.
Meanwhile, speculation has also emerged about possible talks between TVK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Congress leaders, however, refused to comment on unverified political discussions.
Congress Highlights Secular Position
Congress leaders have repeatedly stressed that their support for TVK comes with a clear expectation that communal forces must remain outside the political arrangement. Although no party was named directly, the remarks were widely viewed as a reference to the BJP.
Tagore argued that TVK had already demonstrated its secular credentials during the election campaign by defeating BJP candidates in several constituencies, including Thiruparankundram. He added that Vijay’s political positioning was one of the reasons Congress agreed to support the party.
INDIA Bloc Dynamics Remain Unchanged
The Congress MP also addressed questions regarding the future of the INDIA opposition alliance. He stated that political realities differ from state to state and that alliances often change depending on regional circumstances.
According to him, opposition parties may contest separately in certain states but still unite nationally against the BJP-led government at the Centre. He insisted that the INDIA bloc continues to remain intact despite shifting alliances in Tamil Nadu.
Tagore acknowledged Congress’s reduced strength in the state Assembly, noting that the party’s seat tally had declined sharply compared to previous years. However, he described the new partnership with TVK as an effort to build a long-term political understanding based on mutual respect.