With the much strained talks over seat negotiation for the upcoming Assembly elections with the DMK scheduled on February 28, the Congress high command is split on whether it must continue remaining in the alliance or chart a new path in Tamil Nadu by joining hands with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
The induction of former AIADMK leader, O. Panneerselvam into the DMK would mean that the space for “increased number of seats” for the Congress appears grim, further complicating the seat sharing process.
With the Congress expecting a number close to what it got in 2016 Assembly elections (41 seats) and the DMK hoping to restrict Congress closer to what it allotted in 2021 (25), the possibility of both sides reaching a compromise by meeting each other halfway looks unlikely.
Congress sources in New Delhi said there is difference of opinion, not just between the ordinary cadre and TNCC leadership, but even among the All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, and senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
“The new guard feels those who want to get elected again prefer DMK but….also that the only way to revive the Congress and retain whatever remains of the party…is to join hands with the TVK,” said sources close to Mr. Rahul Gandhi. The source added there is a feeling that “MLAs are paper tigers” who have not done their bit to expand the support base of the party.
While Mr. Gandhi is said to have to be leaning towards prioritising the Congress’ growth in Tamil Nadu, Mr. Kharge and Ms. Gandhi are said to believe the alliance with the DMK is necessary for the Congress party’s success nationally.
Senior leader in TNCC said, “We are going to be in the DMK alliance…99.99%. But, I honestly don’t know what the Congress high command will do…if we are low balled. I cannot answer this question today. We will know by Saturday. They want alliance negotiations to be wrapped up in time for CM Stalin’s birthday. We have our fingers crossed.”
A section of the State Congress leaders believes if the talks drag beyond Saturday, it would make it difficult for the party to identify candidates and file nominations for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu.
Published – February 27, 2026 07:47 pm IST
