Published Sep 17, 2026 | 6:39 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 17, 2026 | 6:42 PM
Political circles are discussing the possibility of a new national-level alliance led by regional parties.
DMK Deputy General Secretary and Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has met former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee at her residence in Kolkata, according to reports. A source close to Kanimozhi has confirmed the meeting.
Sources indicate that the discussions could be related to the possibility of forming a third political front at the national level, amid growing uncertainty over the future of the existing INDIA bloc.
At the national level, the two major political formations are currently the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc led by the Congress.
According to the source, the relationship between the DMK and Congress has come under strain following the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, raising questions over the future of the INDIA bloc. The DMK is said to have moved away from the alliance, while several regional parties, including Mamata Banerjee’s TMC, are reportedly dissatisfied with the Congress.
Against this backdrop, political circles are discussing the possibility of a new national-level alliance led by regional parties, with an eye on the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Sources further claimed that the proposed formation could be formally announced within the next three months.
Among the leaders and parties that could potentially be part of such a formation are Mamata Banerjee, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, and NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, who is considered close to Kanimozhi.
Also Read: Annamalai hails Periyar on his 147th birth anniversary; some supporters call it a ‘downfall’
Sources also speculated potential support from the Abhijit Dipke-led Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) for the new movement.
The CJP’s protests against the NEET-UG paper leak in Delhi, which led to the resignation of former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, have created immense influence among the youth.
If CJP were to associate itself with the proposed alliance, political circles believe it could help the formation connect with younger voters.
It is against this backdrop that Kanimozhi’s meeting with Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata assumes significance. Sources also indicate that further discussions and meetings could take place in the coming days.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
