Politics – Congress Rejects Rift Talk After Vijay’s Delhi Meeting Rescheduled
Politics – Congress has dismissed reports suggesting any strain in its relationship with its Tamil Nadu ally, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), after a planned meeting between Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and senior party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi was postponed during his recent visit to New Delhi.
The chief minister had arrived in the national capital for a two-day official trip and was expected to hold discussions with the Congress leadership on Thursday morning. However, the meeting did not take place as scheduled, leading to speculation in political circles about possible differences between the coalition partners. Congress leaders have firmly denied such claims, attributing the change in schedule solely to unavoidable commitments.
Congress Clarifies Reason Behind Postponement
Responding to questions from journalists, Tamil Nadu Congress MP Christopher Tilak said there was no disagreement between the two parties. He emphasized that both organizations continue to work together as coalition partners and remain part of the same government framework.
According to Tilak, the postponement was the result of a packed schedule for senior Congress leaders. He noted that discussions involving party representatives from Karnataka and ongoing deliberations related to Rajya Sabha matters in Jharkhand had occupied the leadership over the past several days, leaving little room for additional meetings.
He stressed that the scheduled interaction had only been deferred and should not be interpreted as a sign of political tension.
Vijay Raises Mekedatu Reservoir Issue With Prime Minister
During his visit to New Delhi, Chief Minister Vijay met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and brought up concerns regarding the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project on the Cauvery River.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister expressed reservations about Karnataka’s plans to move forward with a groundbreaking ceremony related to the project. He argued that the proposed development raises concerns in light of the final award issued by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal as well as subsequent rulings delivered by the Supreme Court.
The issue remains a sensitive subject between the two southern states, with water-sharing arrangements continuing to attract close attention from policymakers and stakeholders.
Congress Highlights Continued Cooperation
Tilak rejected suggestions that the Mekedatu issue had affected relations between Congress and TVK. He pointed out that Congress leaders have consistently maintained cordial ties with Vijay and his administration.
The MP recalled that Rahul Gandhi had publicly extended support and goodwill to Vijay during his swearing-in ceremony, describing the relationship between the parties as constructive and cooperative. He added that there was no basis for negative interpretations surrounding the postponed meeting.
Future Meeting Likely During Next Delhi Visit
Congress leaders indicated that Vijay had chosen to keep the current trip focused on official government engagements. As a result, discussions with senior Congress leadership are expected to take place during his next visit to the capital.
Tilak said the Chief Minister is likely to return to New Delhi in June for a meeting of the NITI Aayog. During that visit, he is expected to meet Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, allowing both sides to continue their political consultations.
For now, Congress maintains that the scheduling change was purely administrative and should not be viewed as evidence of any disagreement within the alliance. Party representatives insist that cooperation between Congress and TVK remains unchanged and that communication between the partners continues as normal