Parliament – Praveen Chakravarty Outlines TVK-Congress Stand on Key National Issues
Parliament – Congress leader Praveen Chakravarty, recently elected to the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu, has outlined the priorities he intends to pursue in Parliament while also defending the TVK-Congress alliance and addressing the growing political differences with the DMK.
Speaking about his new responsibilities, Chakravarty said his entry into the Upper House comes at a significant political moment. He noted that several major legislative proposals, including delimitation and the One Nation, One Election initiative, could have far-reaching implications for states across the country. According to him, regional interests, particularly those of southern states, must be safeguarded during discussions on such measures.
Focus on Federal Structure
Chakravarty emphasized that the alliance would strongly oppose any move that it believes could weaken the rights of states within India’s federal framework. He argued that attempts to reshape political equations in various states could be linked to efforts to secure broader support for important national legislation.
He maintained that protecting the balance between the Centre and the states would remain one of his primary concerns in Parliament.
Responding to DMK Criticism
Addressing criticism from the DMK, which has accused the Congress of political opportunism, Chakravarty rejected allegations that the alliance with TVK was either sudden or a betrayal of former partners.
He stated that many Congress workers in Tamil Nadu had favored cooperation with TVK even before the elections. According to him, concerns had existed within the party regarding the nature of its relationship with the DMK and the extent to which alliance partners were involved in decision-making.
Chakravarty further alleged that post-election political developments contributed to the decision to move in a different direction.
Why the Alliance Emerged After Elections
Explaining why the alliance was not finalized before the elections, Chakravarty said the state unit of Congress had long expressed support for closer ties with TVK. However, he indicated that national-level political considerations influenced the final strategy adopted before voters went to the polls.
He also claimed that the election outcome reinforced the views held by many Congress workers in the state regarding future political alignments.
Position on INDIA Bloc Cooperation
On the future of opposition coordination, Chakravarty said the INDIA bloc was originally created with the objective of contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While electoral cooperation may no longer be the immediate focus, he believes the platform can continue to serve as a mechanism for parliamentary coordination.
He argued that the real test for opposition parties would come when legislation affecting federal principles is introduced in Parliament. In such situations, he said, parties would be judged by their voting record rather than their participation in meetings.
TVK Government’s Policy Priorities
Chakravarty reiterated that the TVK-led government remains firmly opposed to issues such as delimitation, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), and the three-language policy framework. He said these positions were clearly outlined in the party’s manifesto and continue to reflect public sentiment in Tamil Nadu.
According to him, younger voters in particular are seeking alternative approaches to these policy debates.
Stand on the Mekedatu Dam Project
Commenting on the Mekedatu dam issue, Chakravarty said his position remains unchanged regardless of which political party governs Karnataka. He reiterated opposition to the project while stressing that dialogue between stakeholders remains important.
As a national party, Congress can facilitate discussions aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions, he said, but maintained that concerns regarding the project continue to exist