The buzz has been triggered by multiple factors: rumours of a possible Congress–Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) tie-up.
Published Jan 03, 2026 | 3:44 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 03, 2026 | 3:44 PM
File photo of CM MK Stalin and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. (Supplied)
Synopsis: The developments underscore how internal power struggles and personal interests of key leaders are adding to speculation around the Congress’s position within the DMK-led alliance, even as both parties officially maintain that their partnership remains intact.
With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election drawing closer, political activity in the state is intensifying by the day. In particular, there is growing speculation in political circles about increasing strains within the DMK–Congress alliance, often described as a “firm alliance”.
The buzz has been triggered by multiple factors: rumours of a possible Congress–Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) tie-up, reports that the Congress is seeking a share in power, and a series of public statements by Congress leaders that appear to contradict one another. These developments have led to questions about what is actually unfolding within the Congress party in Tamil Nadu.
To understand this, we spoke to multiple sources within Congress circles.
The current round of tensions can be traced back to 5 December, 2025, when Praveen Chakravarthy, Chairman of the All India Professionals’ Congress, met actor-politician Vijay in Chennai. The meeting, followed by Praveen Chakravarthy’s comments to the media and subsequent news reports, sparked widespread controversy.
The issue flared up again on 28 December, when Praveen Chakravarthy posted a tweet on X claiming that Tamil Nadu had the highest outstanding debt among Indian states and that the state’s debt situation was “alarming”, accompanied by a comparative graph.
The post drew sharp reactions not only from alliance partners but also from within the Congress itself.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai, MPs Sasikanth Senthil and Jothimani, and senior leader P Chidambaram publicly opposed Praveen Chakravarthy’s remarks.
Selvaperunthagai went to the extent of stating that “Praveen’s views have no connection with the Congress party” and accused him of attempting to create confusion within the alliance, even alleging that he was echoing RSS-style arguments.
However, Congress MP Manickam Tagore took a different stand, criticising alliance leaders who spoke to the media on what he termed as an internal Congress matter, and posted a tweet defending the party’s autonomy.
This episode highlighted not only friction between the DMK and Congress but also visible differences of opinion within the Congress party itself.
Despite objections raised by some second-rung DMK leaders, there was no formal communication from the DMK leadership to the Congress on this issue.
A source close to TNCC president Selvaperunthagai said, “These are actions driven by the personal mileage of a few Congress leaders. Both the state Congress leadership and the DMK leadership are clear that this is not an issue between them. So far, the DMK leadership has not raised any questions on this.”
A DMK source also confirmed to us that no discussions have taken place from the DMK leadership with the Congress leadership on this issue.
Earlier, Congress MP Jothimani, who had opposed Praveen Chakravarthy’s remarks, posted a tweet on 2 January warning that the Congress was heading towards a “path of destruction” — a remark widely interpreted as a sign of internal crisis.
In her post, she said unchecked internal conflicts within the Tamil Nadu Congress were causing deep disappointment, and accused sections of the party of focusing on electoral arithmetic rather than ideology or people’s issues, pushing the party gradually towards decline for the sake of personal interests.
Sources in the Congress leadership and in Karur district said the issue was linked to differences between Jothimani and the Karur district Congress leadership.
Speaking to the media, Selvaperunthagai and AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu Girish Chodankar said a committee had been formed to look into the matter. Chodankar added that internal party issues should not enter the public domain and that explanations had been sought from Karur district Congress functionaries.
When asked about the recent trend of some Congress leaders and MPs making personal statements that could potentially affect the alliance, a Congress source said, “Each of them has personal interests in this issue. After Selvaperunthagai became state president, several administrative changes were made, especially in financial management, with stricter controls. This has created resentment among some leaders, who are trying to remove him and position an alternative leadership.”
The source further claimed that while such actions might appear unchecked, “they are being encouraged by a senior leader from a neighbouring state, considered next only to Rahul Gandhi in influence. However, the current AICC in-charge Girish Chodankar is firmly backing Selvaperunthagai.”
Even before Praveen Chakravarthy met Vijay, rumours had been circulating that the Congress was in talks with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, with claims of negotiations for over 60 seats and demands for a share in power.
Praveen Chakravarthy’s meeting with Vijay only strengthened these suspicions. However, the Tamil Nadu Congress leadership has consistently denied such reports.
A Congress source said, “This is largely a strategy to increase bargaining power. There are no firm alliance talks with TVK.”
Recent reports have suggested that the Congress has demanded 38 seats and three ministerial posts in its negotiations with the DMK. However, sources clarified that while no ministerial posts have been sought, but Congress has formally placed a demand for 41 Assembly seats.
Addressing the media on Friday, Girish Chodankar categorically denied any alliance talks with TVK.
“There are no discussions with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. We have decided to continue our alliance with the DMK and have formed a committee to hold talks. Discussions have been going on for about a month. As for individual leaders meeting others, we cannot be expected to respond to every such meeting,” he said.
The developments underscore how internal power struggles and personal interests of key leaders are adding to speculation around the Congress’s position within the DMK-led alliance, even as both parties officially maintain that their partnership remains intact.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
