Manishankar Aiyar Criticizes Congress for Alliance with TVK in Tamil Nadu

Former Union Minister Manishankar Aiyar has voiced strong criticism against Congress's decision to ally with the Tamilaga Vetria Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu. He argues that this move reflects a troubling level of political opportunism and could facilitate the entry of the BJP into a state dominated by Dravidian politics. Aiyar emphasizes that the alliance undermines the historical values of Congress and questions the motivations behind changing political partnerships. His reflections on the electoral landscape highlight the risks of abandoning long-standing allies for short-term gains. Read on to discover more about Aiyar's insights and the implications of this political shift.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 8, 2026, 13:06 IST

Aiyar's Strong Opposition to Congress's Decision

Former Union Minister Manishankar Aiyar expressed strong disapproval of Congress's recent alliance with the Tamilaga Vetria Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu, labeling the move as a troubling example of low-level political opportunism. He emphasized that if this decision facilitates the entry of the communal BJP into a state dominated by Dravidian politics, it could be one of the most dangerous self-inflicted political blunders in history.

Aiyar remarked that he could not envision the founding members of Congress endorsing such opportunistic politics. In a statement to a news agency, he criticized the timing of the alliance, especially after Congress had just contested elections alongside the DMK, which had previously defeated them in 23 assembly constituencies.

In an article published in the Tamil edition of a prominent newspaper, Aiyar questioned whether the shifting alliances in Tamil Nadu signify a victory for Chanakya or for Mahatma Gandhi. He pointed out that Congress secured five seats not solely on its own merit but largely due to its long-standing junior partnership with the DMK.

The former parliamentary constituency of Mayiladuthurai has proven to be a stronghold for the DMK-led coalition, with five out of six assembly segments voting in favor of coalition members against TVK, resulting in two seats for the DMK and one each for its allies, including the Congress.

Reflecting on his 35-year association with this unique parliamentary constituency, Aiyar expressed deep regret and sorrow over the current political landscape. He noted that the statewide mandate clearly favored the DMK-led coalition and was against the newly emerged parties, suggesting that abandoning a long-standing ally for opportunistic reasons is a troubling sign. He concluded by stating that while opportunism may be the essence of Chanakya's politics, it does not align with the truth-driven politics of Gandhi's Congress.