Congress and DMK Strengthen Alliance Ahead of Tamil Nadu Elections
As the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections of 2026 draw near, Congress MP Manickam Tagore has firmly rejected any speculation regarding a split within the India alliance, emphasizing the strong partnership between Congress and DMK. He highlighted the political significance of Tamil Nadu and the depth of their collaboration, noting that they have fought eight elections together. Tagore also criticized the BJP's attempts to undermine regional parties and discussed the ongoing negotiations regarding seat allocation for the upcoming elections. His statements reflect a commitment to maintaining a united front as the election approaches.
| Jan 7, 2026, 19:07 IST
Alliance Solidarity in Tamil Nadu
As the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach, Congress MP Manickam Tagore has dismissed rumors of any rift within the India alliance, asserting that Congress and DMK remain firmly united and committed to their long-term partnership. Speaking to a news media outlet about the alliance's status in Tamil Nadu, Tagore emphasized the state's political significance and the depth of the Congress-DMK relationship.
Tagore remarked that Tamil Nadu holds considerable importance, and it is well-known that the India alliance is a crucial coalition, with Congress as a member and DMK as its primary ally. The two parties have fought eight elections together, highlighting DMK's role as Congress's long-term partner. Addressing reports of disagreements over seat-sharing, Tagore denied any possibility of changes within the alliance, although he acknowledged the need for timely discussions. He stated on Wednesday that he does not foresee any discussions regarding changes among coalition partners. Congress is a long-standing ally of DMK, and party leaders are eager to finalize seat negotiations promptly to avoid any negative impact on the alliance's image.
Tagore also criticized the BJP's political strategy in Tamil Nadu, accusing it of attempting to weaken regional parties to expand its influence. The Congress MP alleged that the BJP is eager to establish a foothold in Tamil Nadu by seeking to replace the AIADMK, claiming they will befriend constituents and gradually siphon off their votes. This approach is evident in their dealings with the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.
Regarding the contentious issue of seat allocation, he stated, "As for the 2026 elections, I cannot specify how many seats will be contested, as I was not present at the meeting. The chairperson is negotiating the number of seats, and this information is being communicated to the DMK, with the final count to be approved by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge."