Chennai: Political tensions between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Indian National Congress have escalated sharply amid dramatic developments in Tamil Nadu politics involving actor-politician Vijay and his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
The growing hostility between the long-time allies has now spilled into both Parliament and the streets, with leaders from the two parties openly accusing each other of betrayal and political opportunism.
The latest political flashpoint emerged after the Congress reportedly backed Vijay’s TVK in efforts to form the next government in Tamil Nadu, distancing itself from its traditional ally DMK.
The move triggered sharp reactions within the DMK, which has shared an alliance with the Congress for over two decades.
DMK seeks separate seating in Parliament
The political friction intensified after DMK leaders declared that the INDIA bloc alliance was effectively over and accused the Congress of acting opportunistically.
The party also formally wrote to Om Birla seeking separate seating arrangements for DMK MPs in Parliament.
In a letter addressed to the Lok Sabha Speaker, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi stated that the current seating arrangement alongside Congress members was no longer appropriate due to “changed political circumstances”.
The letter requested that DMK MPs be allotted separate seating in the House.
The development is being viewed as a symbolic indication of the deteriorating relationship between the two parties, both of which were major constituents of the opposition INDIA bloc formed ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Political observers noted that the DMK, with 22 Lok Sabha MPs and eight Rajya Sabha MPs, was among the most influential regional parties within the opposition alliance.
Congress accuses DMK of betrayal
The Congress responded strongly to reports suggesting that the DMK may consider joining hands with its traditional rival All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to prevent Vijay’s TVK from forming the government.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore accused the DMK of betraying secular politics by allegedly exploring an understanding with the AIADMK.
“Two Dravidian parties. Lifelong enemies. Became one overnight. Not for Tamil Nadu. Not for secularism. To stop one single man, Vijay,” Tagore said in a social media post.
He further claimed that the Congress had anticipated such political developments and therefore decided to walk away from the DMK alliance.
Tagore also alleged that aligning with the AIADMK, which he described as close to the BJP, would amount to compromising secular principles.
According to him, the Congress chose to support Vijay’s TVK in order to respect the people’s mandate and keep the NDA out of power.
Political tensions spill onto streets
The worsening relationship between the two former allies also reportedly led to clashes between party workers in Mayiladuthurai.
According to reports, workers from the Congress and DMK exchanged blows during protests related to the Tamil Nadu Governor’s decision regarding government formation.
Congress workers had reportedly staged demonstrations alleging that Vijay’s TVK, despite emerging as the single-largest party, had not been invited to form the government.
Political analysts said the confrontation reflected the rapidly deteriorating trust between the two parties.
Observers also pointed out that tensions had been gradually building over the past few months, especially over the DMK’s reported reduction in the number of seats allotted to the Congress during elections.
Vijay emerges as central figure in political realignment
At the centre of the unfolding political realignment is Vijay and his rapidly rising political influence through TVK.
The actor-turned-politician has emerged as a major force in Tamil Nadu politics, disrupting traditional equations between the state’s dominant Dravidian parties.
Speculation surrounding possible alliances and government formation has intensified after reports suggested that TVK and Congress managed to secure the support of parties including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Left parties to reach the required majority mark.
The developments have significantly altered Tamil Nadu’s political landscape and raised questions about the future of long-standing alliances.
Political observers believe the latest developments could have a broader impact on opposition unity at the national level, particularly regarding the future of the INDIA bloc.
With open accusations, parliamentary disputes and street-level confrontations now surfacing, the once-stable DMK-Congress alliance appears to be facing one of its most serious crises in recent years.