Rahul Gandhi in Tamil Nadu today as Congress-DMK alliance talks hit seat & power-share snag
A major factor driving caution on both sides is the minority vote bank, particularly Muslim and Christian voters, who have largely backed the DMK-led alliance in an anti-BJP front. The Congress still enjoys unique credibility among these communities. Analysts warn that if the alliance breaks, these votes
Chennai: With just two months left for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, the political spotlight is firmly on the strained DMK-Congress alliance negotiations, with Rahul Gandhi scheduled to visit the state today for crucial consultations. The Congress has reportedly demanded 38 seats and three cabinet berths as part of a power-sharing arrangement—a demand that has created significant friction within the coalition.
Congress-DMK alliance : Key sticking points
Senior DMK minister I. Periyasamy recently stated that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is not in favour of sharing ministerial positions with allies. In response, Tamil Nadu Congress chief Selvaperunthagai called it the minister's "personal opinion," asserting that the final decision would be taken jointly by Stalin, Congress chief Mallikarjuna Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi. This indicates that talks are ongoing but far from settled.
Rahul’s visit and internal deliberations
Rahul Gandhi is arriving to attend a school golden jubilee event in Gudalur, Nilgiris, but will also hold meetings with state Congress leaders. Party functionaries are expected to present detailed analyses—including past electoral data and vote bank projections—to help decide whether to continue with the DMK or explore an alternative alliance, possibly with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
The minority vote bank calculus
A major factor driving caution on both sides is the minority vote bank, particularly Muslim and Christian voters, who have largely backed the DMK-led alliance in an anti-BJP front. The Congress still enjoys unique credibility among these communities. Analysts warn that if the alliance breaks, these votes could splinter, hurting not just the DMK but also the Congress. Minorities remain wary of newer parties like TVK, making the existing coalition crucial for consolidating this segment.
Strategic reluctance to break
Despite public posturing over seats and cabinet shares, both parties are said to be reluctant to sever ties completely, aware that a split could dramatically alter the electoral math. The shared objective of keeping minority votes united under a secular front appears to be the underlying force keeping negotiation channels open, even as tensions simmer.
Today’s meetings with Rahul Gandhi could provide clearer signals on whether the decades-old alliance will hold—or if Tamil Nadu is headed for a dramatic political realignment weeks before the polls.