The Congress party has joined the DMK-led alliance for the 2026 [1] Tamil Nadu assembly election instead of supporting the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party.
This alignment shifts the political landscape in Tamil Nadu by consolidating the ruling party's power and marginalizing the emerging influence of TVK leader Vijay. The decision reflects a strategic choice by Congress to prioritize established political leverage over a partnership with a rising political force.
Congress leader Girish Chodankar said the party aligned with the DMK because the DMK is the ruling party and offers greater political leverage. This strategic move aims to secure a presence in the state government through a stable coalition.
However, the decision has sparked a reaction from TVK president Vijay. Vijay said the "real Congress" stands with TVK, suggesting that the official party alignment does not reflect the true will of the organization. He said the DMK used financial influence to maintain the partnership.
"Stalin sir spent a few crores [2] and kept with himself the Tamil Nadu Congress," Vijay said. The accusation suggests that DMK chief M.K. Stalin used a few crores [2] to ensure the Tamil Nadu Congress remained within the DMK fold rather than shifting toward the TVK.
Despite the alliance, some analysts suggest the partnership may not provide significant gains for Congress. While the alliance provides a path to power, reports indicate that a DMK victory may still result in no significant win for the Congress party in terms of long-term influence.
“"Stalin sir spent a few crores and kept with himself the Tamil Nadu Congress."”
The alliance reinforces the dominance of M.K. Stalin's DMK in Tamil Nadu, effectively neutralizing the potential for a new third-front coalition led by Vijay. By securing Congress, the DMK prevents the fragmentation of the secular vote, though it leaves Congress dependent on the DMK's regional strength, potentially limiting its independent growth in the state.
