Last Updated:
The Congress’ alignment with the DMK is one of the most organic coming-togethers but the Grand Old Party has always nursed a grouse that DMK gives them too little in terms of seats
DMK’s MK Stalin and Rahul Gandhi. (PTI)
Ahead of the 2026 assembly poll to the Tamil Nadu state legislature, the Congress finds itself in a spot. Having been reduced to a sub-primary electoral force, their only newsmaker has been the choice of a Dravidian wagon to hitch ahead of polls, which has been the DMK for close to a decade now. This time around, however, that choice could belong to Hobson, as the recent electoral drubbing they received at the hands of the NDA in Bihar may diminish chances, notwithstanding the difference in political terrain between Tamil Nadu and Bihar.
The Congress’ alignment with the DMK is, possibly, one of the most organic coming-togethers of political parties. Both parties can claim without evoking a snigger that they are arch-rivals of the BJP. By way of rhetoric and, to an extent, the follow through, their espousal of the causes of social justice, inclusive growth, and Dalit emancipation rings more true than false. Their history of alliances in Tamil Nadu also makes them natural partners, given their alliances over the last four elections: two state assembly polls since 2016 and two parliamentary elections.
And yet, the Congress, ridden with heavy factionalism, has always nursed a grouse that the DMK gives them too little in terms of seats. The only time they could posture a threat of leaving the alliance is the months ahead of polls when the tallies are firmed up.
The entry of actor-turned-politician Vijay has strengthened the quarters within the Congress vying for either more seats or a break-away from the DMK. It appeared as though Congress now had a serious alliance partner option other than the DMK. Vijay’s galaxy of idealogues include Periyar (EV Ramasamy who led the social justice movement in Tamil Nadu) and Arignar Anna (CN Annadurai, one of the tallest icons of DMK), which makes him an easy partner for the Congress. On top of that is the history of camaraderie between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Vijay himself. Murmurs that Vijay enjoyed a hotline with Rahul Gandhi were taken a little more seriously than rumour. Vijay himself, through his speeches, had said he was not averse with like-minded parties who could give the DMK a tough fight.
Given all factors, including the political crisis Vijay faced in the aftermath of the death of 41 people in Karur, the Congress would find itself with fewer aces in terms of electoral partners. The DMK, on its part, would want to focus more on decimating any chance of the AIADMK-BJP gaining more strength on ground—such as alliances with sub-regional parties that play on caste equations or local issues.
Given their apparent readiness to fight a pitched battle, the DMK’s energies would now be fully focused on smart electioneering, keeping the current alliance intact, and sniping at the wings of the key opposition alliance. The only true unknown of this election is Vijay himself—and it appears from the perspective we hold today, the fan-to-voter conversion ratio is a sealed book for himself, too.
Poornima Murali, Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, has reported for over a decade on civic and political issues in Tamil Nadu. She has been helming the Chennai bureau for the channel for years now. A …Read More
Poornima Murali, Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, has reported for over a decade on civic and political issues in Tamil Nadu. She has been helming the Chennai bureau for the channel for years now. A … Read More
November 20, 2025, 11:10 IST
Read More
