Congress slams rumoured DMK-AIADMK tie-up, says move aimed at blocking Vijay

Manickam Tagore on Friday criticised reports of a possible alliance between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to form the government in Tamil Nadu, alleging that the move is solely aimed at preventing actor-politician Vijay from becoming chief minister.

Political circles in the state have been rife with speculation over a possible post-poll understanding between the two long-time Dravidian rivals.

The controversy comes after Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single-largest party in the recently concluded Assembly elections with 108 seats, falling short of the majority mark.

With backing from five Congress MLAs, TVK’s tally stands at 112 — still six short of the 118 needed in the 234-member Assembly.

‘Two lifelong rivals united overnight’

In a strongly worded post on social media, Tagore accused both parties of abandoning their ideological differences to keep Vijay out of power.

“Two Dravidian parties. Lifelong enemies. Became one overnight. Not for Tamil Nadu. Not for secularism. To stop one single man, Vijay,” he wrote.

He also defended Congress’s decision to distance itself from such speculation, saying: “Congress saw it clearly. It exited. You cannot lie down with the B-team of RSS/BJP and call yourself secular.”

Governor seeks proof of majority

The political uncertainty deepened after Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday met Vijay at Lok Bhavan and informed him that TVK had not yet demonstrated the legislative support required to form the government.

The governor reportedly asked Vijay to furnish details of the MLAs backing his claim and sought clarity on how the party intended to reach the required majority.

DMK denies alliance talk, keeps door ajar

DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan denied that any formal talks had taken place with the AIADMK, but noted that the final decision would rest with party chief MK Stalin.

“If Stalin takes such a decision, DMK will accept it. The leader’s decision is our decision,” he said, adding that the party’s focus remains on ensuring a stable government in Tamil Nadu.

Tagore, however, dismissed the stability argument, saying it was political language used by “frightened parties” seeking to protect power.

Allies cautious

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee also posted a message on social media saying: “Don’t betray the mandate. Don’t manipulate.”

Thol Thirumavalavan of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi said discussions had not yet taken concrete shape.

“It does not look like it has taken shape yet. If it comes to that, we will state our position then,” he said.

Meanwhile, former AIADMK MLA S Semmalai said any decision on alliance formation would be taken by party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, whose call would be final.