With challenges ahead, Selvaperunthagai highlights the party's history and remains confident the people will reward consistent efforts aimed at social justice and democratic values.
Published Feb 23, 2025 | 12:46 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 23, 2025 | 12:46 PM
K Selvaperunthagai. (Facebook)
Synopsis: In an interview with South First, Tamil Nadu Congress President K Selvaperunthagai speaks of his journey, challenges, and vision for strengthening the party. He remains confident the people will reward consistent efforts aimed at social justice and democratic values.
The historic Sathyamoorthy Bhavan in Chennai, the headquarters of the Tamil Nadu Congress, was buzzed with celebrations marking K Selvaperunthagai’s first anniversary as the party’s Committee President.
Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, South First sat down with Selvaperunthagai for an interview, delving into his journey, challenges, and vision for strengthening the party.
Selvaperunthagai’s first year as TNCC president has been focused on organisational restructuring, grassroots mobilisation, and strengthening the alliance with the DMK.
As Tamil Nadu gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, his vision is clear: Rebuild the Congress from the ground up while contributing significantly to the national resurgence of the party.
With challenges ahead, Selvaperunthagai highlights the party’s history and remains confident the people will reward consistent efforts aimed at social justice and democratic values.
Q. It’s been a year since you took charge as TNCC President, a post once held by leaders like K Kamaraj and C Rajaji. How do you reflect on this journey? What have been your biggest challenges and achievements?
A: Honestly, I don’t see the challenges as obstacles but as opportunities. The Congress in Tamil Nadu needed rejuvenation, and that has been my focus. We’re rebuilding the party from the grassroots, starting with village committees, municipal bodies, town panchayats, block committees, and the corporation level.
We have deployed over 1,000 party workers on the ground to strengthen local units. We’re issuing ID cards with QR codes for every member to streamline data collection and improve organisational efficiency.
This initiative is already 40 percent complete, and I’m confident we’ll reach 100 percent within a month. Strong committees are the backbone of any party, and my priority has been to lay that foundation.
Q. After years of grassroots work and political struggle, you are now leading the state Congress. How significant is this role for you personally?
A: It’s a huge responsibility and a reflection of democratic support. People have stood by me throughout this journey.
Of course, there are hurdles, and small issues here and there, but I believe history will judge us by our efforts. This position isn’t about personal glory. It’s about strengthening the party and fighting for social justice and equality.
Q. The Congress was once a ruling party in Tamil Nadu but now contests only a handful of seats in alliance with the DMK. How do you plan to revive the party’s strength?
A: Our alliance with the DMK, under Chief Minister MK Stalin, is strong and intact. The DMK government has implemented exemplary welfare schemes, many of which are now being replicated in other states.
However, that doesn’t mean Congress is content being a junior partner. We’re working hard to strengthen our base so that the party regains its prominence.
Think of our alliance as soil and roots — separate yet interconnected, both essential. We will continue this partnership in the upcoming elections, but we’re also focused on making Congress a formidable force again in Tamil Nadu.
Q. Congress has faced significant challenges at the national level, especially in states like Delhi and Maharashtra. How can the Tamil Nadu Congress contribute to the party’s resurgence at the national level?
A: Tamil Nadu has been a pillar of strength for the Congress. In the last elections, we delivered a 100 percent victory for the INDIA bloc. Our commitment to the party is unwavering.
In the upcoming elections, we will work hard and with determination to ensure the alliance’s success.
Tamil Nadu will continue to play a crucial role in revitalising the All India Congress Committee (AICC), and I’m optimistic about the party’s national resurgence.
Q. The National Education Policy (NEP) has been controversial in Tamil Nadu. Recently, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the state of politicising education. What’s your take on this?
A: It’s arrogant and unacceptable for the Union government to withhold SSA (Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan) funds over political differences. Tamil Nadu has always rejected the imposition of the three-language policy.
Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi respected the two-language formula — Tamil and English — which we continue to uphold.
The NEP’s push for Hindi and Sanskrit as additional languages is an attempt to undermine our linguistic identity. Tamil Nadu has made it clear that we won’t accept policies that go against our cultural ethos.
Our chief minister has been vocal about this. The Union government’s approach feels like an attempt to push us back to outdated caste-based occupational roles, a move that Tamil Nadu will never accept.
Q. BJP Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai has been a vocal critic of the INDIA bloc, particularly targeting you, Thol Thirumavalavan, and Chief Minister MK Stalin. How do you respond to his criticisms?
A: People can see through this kind of divisive politics. The public will respond, and they will revolt against any attempts to disrupt social harmony.
I am confident that the chief minister and the INDIA bloc will come out stronger.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
