The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) accused the Indian National Congress of betrayal after the party shifted its support to Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) [1].
This political realignment disrupts a long-standing partnership between the DMK and Congress, potentially altering the power balance in Tamil Nadu following the 2026 assembly elections [3]. The shift leaves the DMK isolated as it faces a new governing coalition.
Following the election, the TVK emerged as the largest party in the assembly, though it did not secure an outright majority [2]. To facilitate the formation of a government, the Congress party pledged to provide five MLAs to support the TVK [2]. This decision came despite the existing alliance between Congress and the DMK.
DMK leaders reacted with hostility to the move. MP Kanimozhi and other party officials said the action was backstabbing [1]. The DMK said the Congress party violated the terms of their partnership by backing a rival entity to secure power in Chennai [1].
The transition marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape. While the TVK now has a path to governance, the rift between the Congress and DMK creates a volatile environment for future legislative cooperation. The Congress party's decision to dump the DMK in favor of Vijay's party signals a strategic pivot toward the TVK's growing influence [2].
“The Congress party has abandoned its alliance with the DMK to support Vijay's TVK.”
The collapse of the DMK-Congress alliance suggests a realignment of power in Tamil Nadu, where the TVK is now positioned as the central pillar of government. By providing critical legislative support to a party that lacks a majority, Congress is betting on the TVK's momentum over its traditional partnership with the DMK, which may lead to long-term instability or a permanent shift in regional coalition dynamics.
