DMK to boycott INDIA bloc meet over Congress's support to Vijay, alliance under strain

While the DMK stopped short of quitting the alliance, its decision has exposed deep fissures within the opposition camp and raised questions about the future of opposition unity in Tamil Nadu.

DMK skips INDIA meeting, cites 'betrayal'

In a strongly worded statement, the DMK said it would not participate in the INDIA alliance meeting because of the Congress' post-election political realignment in Tamil Nadu.

The party said its cadres were deeply hurt by what it described as a "betrayal" by the Congress after decades of political partnership.

"Respecting the feelings of party workers who have been deeply hurt by the betrayal inflicted on the DMK by the Congress after the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the DMK will not participate in the INDIA alliance meeting," the party said.

Congress chose Vijay over long-time ally

The rift stems from the Congress' decision to back Vijay's TVK when the party was attempting to secure enough support to form a government after the elections.

The Congress extended the support of its five MLAs, helping the TVK strengthen its numbers.

After assuming office as Chief Minister, Vijay inducted two Congress legislators into his Cabinet.

Rahul Gandhi attended Vijay's oath-taking ceremony in Tamil Nadu. Photo: Official Facebook.

The relationship further deepened when the ruling TVK allotted the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Tamil Nadu to the Congress despite having the numbers to field its own candidate.

DMK says commitment to INDIA bloc remains intact

Despite boycotting the meeting, the DMK sought to reassure allies that it remains committed to the broader objectives of the INDIA alliance.

The party highlighted its role in opposing issues such as NEET, delimitation, the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, One Nation One Election, the Waqf Act and amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.

The statement also underscored the role of party president M. K. Stalin in raising national issues and claimed the DMK had been one of the principal driving forces behind the alliance since its formation.

The party said it would continue to support initiatives taken by other alliance partners on matters of national importance.

Congress attempts to downplay rift

The Congress has sought to contain the fallout, signalling that it still views the DMK as a key partner at the national level.

Party leader Girish Chodankar asserted that the DMK remains a constituent of the INDIA alliance despite the boycott.

However, the latest development has highlighted the contradiction facing the opposition bloc, where parties that cooperate nationally often find themselves competing against one another in state politics.

Questions over future of Opposition unity

Political observers view the DMK's decision as a significant warning to the Congress, though it remains unclear whether the boycott is merely a symbolic protest or the beginning of a broader political realignment.

The episode has also renewed attention on reports that the DMK could explore closer coordination with non-Congress opposition parties such as the All India Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal.

For now, the DMK appears intent on sending a clear message: it remains aligned with the INDIA bloc's national agenda, but its relationship with the Congress has entered one of its most turbulent phases in recent years.