Sources said that at the core of the rebellion is the allegation that Selvaperunthagai has shown little respect for district-level leadership. The yet-to-be-released new district postings list, which dissenters claim is biased and unfair, has further fueled the dissatisfaction.
Published Feb 20, 2025 | 8:27 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 20, 2025 | 9:59 AM
Dissenting leaders of Tamil Nadu Congress; MS Diraviyam, Sriraja Chokkar, Teekaraman, Chengam G Kumar and RN Amirtha Raja.
Synopsis: Some district-level leaders of the Congress in Tamil Nadu are dissenting against state President K Selvaperunthagai. Sources said that at the core of the rebellion is the allegation that Selvaperunthagai has shown little respect for district-level leadership. A group of 20 leaders is in Delhi to meet the party’s central leadership to raise their concerns.
Internal rifts have surfaced in the Tamil Nadu Congress, a year after Sriperumbudhur MLA K Selvaperunthagai took charge as the party’s state chief, leading to an open rebellion by several district leaders.
Selvaperunthagai, who took charge as Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President in February 2024, now faces mounting pressure from within the ranks.
Dissatisfied with his leadership, a group of dissenting district-level Congress leaders from Tamil Nadu has travelled to Delhi, seeking intervention from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to remove Selvaperunthagai from his post.
Dissenting leaders of Tamil Nadu Congress meeting Girish Chodankar.
South First reached out to sources within the TNCC headquarters, uncovering significant dissatisfaction among key party functionaries.
The dissenting voices, it appears, are not limited to district leaders alone. Even the Tamil Nadu Congress Information Technology (IT) wing has distanced itself from promoting Selvaperunthagai.
Sources revealed that the leadership of the newly established “war room” and an IT wing leader from Delhi have been intentionally ignoring Selvaperunthagai.
The group opposing Selvaperunthagai comprises around 20 party leaders from different districts who have camped in Delhi, aiming to present their grievances directly to AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge.
According to sources, North Chennai East President and 6th Ward Councilor of Chennai Corporation, MS Diraviyam has emerged as a key figure in this rebellion.
Other prominent leaders in the dissenting camp include party’s Nagapattinam District President RN Amirtha Raja, Virudhunagar Congress District Secretary Sriraja Chokkar, Vellore District President Teekaraman, Tiruvannamalai South District President Chengam G Kumar, and a senior leader from Ariyalur
These leaders have reportedly raised serious concerns about Selvaperunthagai’s leadership style, accusing him of sidelining district presidents, failing to maintain proper communication, and allegedly allowing external ideological influences to creep into party affairs.
Sources said that at the core of the rebellion is the allegation that Selvaperunthagai has shown little respect for district-level leadership. The yet-to-be-released new district postings list, which dissenters claim is biased and unfair, has further fueled the dissatisfaction.
Their primary demand is clear: The immediate removal of Selvaperunthagai from the post of TNCC President. They have warned that failure to address their concerns could result in their non-participation in the upcoming elections.
Despite their efforts, the dissenting leaders have so far been unsuccessful in meeting Kharge.
Sources from the TNCC headquarters revealed that Kharge declined to meet the delegation, citing back-to-back meetings. Undeterred, the group has decided to remain in Delhi, attempting to meet other senior Congress leaders to press their demands.
The unfolding rebellion comes at a crucial time for the Congress party, which is strategising for the 2026 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
Internal discord, especially one that reaches the AICC headquarters, could damage the party’s prospects in Tamil Nadu, a state where the Congress has been striving to regain its lost influence.
While the central leadership has yet to respond to the district leaders’ demands, the standoff highlights deeper fissures within the TNCC. It remains to be seen whether the party could reconcile these differences or risk further fragmentation.
As the dissenting leaders continue their sit-in at the national capital, the ball is now in the AICC’s court to decide the future course for Tamil Nadu Congress.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
