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Chennai: Ending a period of relative quiet, the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) on Wednesday announced a major campaign push for the 2026 state Assembly elections, centered on a padayatra (foot march) by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and a women's rally by All India Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
The announcement signals the Congress party's formal entry into the active election arena, where allies and rivals have already begun extensive groundwork. While the ruling DMK, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has been launching district-level schemes and strengthening booth-level organizations, and opposition parties like the AIADMK, BJP, actor-politican Vijay's TVK and Naam Tamilar Katchi have been conducting tours, the Congress had remained largely silent on its campaign strategy.
2026 Tamil Nadu Elections: Congress' Preparations Underway
To coordinate the high-profile initiatives, the TNCC has constituted several dedicated committees. For Rahul Gandhi's statewide padayatra, the key appointments include:
For Priyanka Gandhi's women's rally, a coordination committee has been formed under the chairmanship of MP S. Jothimani. Other members include MPs Sudha Ramakrishnan and former MPs K. Rani, along with leaders from the Mahila Congress.
A Crowded Electoral Landscape
The Congress's move comes as political activity intensifies across Tamil Nadu. The announcement follows recent campaigning by AIADMK's Edappadi Palaniswami, BJP's Nainar Nagendran, and Naam Tamilar's Seeman. It also coincides with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay's cautious return to public meetings after the tragic Karur stampede in September.
By deploying its top national leadership for a direct grassroots connect, the Congress aims to carve out a distinct space within the DMK-led alliance and energize its cadre. The padayatra and women's rally are designed to amplify the party's voice and connect with voters on the ground, setting the stage for its role in the crucial electoral battle ahead.
