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Published Oct 05, 2025 | 3:44 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 05, 2025 | 3:44 PM
Aadhav Arjuna. (X)
Following the stampede in Karur of Tamil Nadu, during Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s public meeting on 27 September that claimed 41 lives, political parties have been subtly trying to gain brownie points: The ruling DMK by not naming the actor-turned-politician, the AIADMK by slamming the DMK over security arrangements, and the BJP by appointing a fact-finding committee.
However, in stark contrast, the TVK leadership has largely remained silent. In this context, reports have emerged that Aadhav Arjuna, the party’s election wing general secretary who is currently in Delhi, is likely to meet senior Congress leaders.
His visit has sparked off rumours that TVK and the Congress may join hands for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Several leaders within Tamil Nadu Congress and AICC, tired of not being part of DMK-led government, are actively fanning the flames of speculation. It is to be noted that the Congress is a DMK ally in Tamil Nadu and part of the INDIA bloc, while the TVK has been a vocal critic of the DMK and Chief Minister MK Stalin. He has also criticised BJP and AIADMK for becoming a part of NDA.
According to political sources in Tamil Nadu, some Congress leaders unhappy with their party’s alliance with the DMK are believed to be behind the rumours of a possible Congress–TVK tie-up. Rahul Gandhi’s conversation with TVK chief Vijay after the Karur stampede has given them ammo. What was meant to be a courtesy call to a rookie politician in a time of crisis, has turned into fodder for rumour mills.
On the other hand, sources close to the DMK leadership suggest that there is growing distrust toward the Congress within the ruling party. When inquiries were made within DMK circles, sources close to the top leadership indicated that there are concerns within the party over Congress’s “uncertain” stance and possible back-channel communication with Vijay.
“The Congress might shift sides and ally with Vijay’s party if circumstances change,” the source quoted the leader as saying.
However, such a decision, if ever taken, would be solely a national-level call, as Congress’s Tamil Nadu State President K Selvaperunthagai has been facing internal criticism for being “too close to the DMK” since assuming his post.
Party insiders accuse him of acting more like a DMK functionary than an independent Congress leader, suggesting that any move for a tie-up with TVK will not originate from the state unit.
From the DMK’s perspective, there is a prevailing sentiment that the Congress in Tamil Nadu survives only because of the DMK’s support. Many Congress MPs are also said to have won their constituencies mainly due to the DMK’s alliance strength. Just as Congress is dependent on DMK for Lok Sabha elections, DMK is dependent on Congress in assembly polls. Moreover, the personal bond between leaders of the respective parties – MK Stalin and Rahul Gandhi, makes a switch near-impossible for Congress.
Congress’ primary interest, however, is to ensure that DMK doesn’t overstep and drive Vijay into an alliance with BJP and AIADMK out of desperation. Congress sources suggest that Rahul Gandhi’s call to Vijay was also aimed at showing him support, before he finds backing from the BJP.
Meanwhile, sources close to Arjuna said he and Krishna Allavuru, one of the national heads of the Indian Youth Congress, have been long-time friends.
Political observers suggest that Arjuna might be using this connection to establish links with the Congress high command.
Interestingly, although actor Vijay has often criticised the DMK, AIADMK, and BJP in his political speeches, he has never once spoken against the Congress, nor even mentioned the party in his addresses. This absence of criticism has not gone unnoticed in political circles.
Meanwhile, Congress insiders said that the party leadership is uneasy about Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s growing influence within the DMK.
Yet, there is also a strong belief that as long as Chief Minister Stalin remains in power, the Congress-DMK alliance will not break.
Against this backdrop, speculations have emerged that Arjuna is planning to meet senior Congress leaders in Delhi. Officially, his visit is said to be for a basketball-related event, but sources reveal that he has been staying at his Delhi residence for several days.
Notably, TVK General Secretary N Anand and IT Wing Joint Secretary CTR Nirmalkumar have filed anticipatory bail petitions in the Supreme Court in connection with the Karur stampede case.
Reports suggest that Arjuna has also met a senior advocate in Delhi regarding these petitions.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
