The rift within the opposition INDIA bloc widened further on Tuesday after the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) launched a sharp attack on the Congress and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing the party of weakening alliance partners and undermining opposition unity.
The criticism comes in the wake of growing tensions between the DMK and Congress following the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The disagreement intensified after Congress announced an alliance with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.
In an editorial published in its official mouthpiece, Murasoli, the DMK alleged that Congress often seeks the support of regional allies during Lok Sabha elections but works against those same parties during state assembly elections.
The publication claimed that Congress has repeatedly attempted to prevent fellow INDIA bloc partners from gaining power in various states while later seeking their cooperation in national elections under the banner of opposition unity.
The editorial further stated that dissatisfaction with Congress was voiced by several leaders during discussions related to the opposition alliance. According to the article, Rahul Gandhi was reportedly unprepared for such criticism, with the DMK describing the situation as a reflection of political misjudgment.
Adding to the criticism, senior DMK leader TKS Elangovan said that Congress’s recent political decisions had weakened its credibility in Tamil Nadu. He argued that developments following the state elections had affected public trust in the party’s leadership and strategy.
The DMK’s Information Technology (IT) wing also criticized Congress on social media, accusing it of abandoning long-time allies for political convenience. In a strongly worded post, the party suggested that Congress had failed to value the support it received from regional partners during challenging political periods.
The latest exchange highlights the growing strain within the INDIA bloc, an alliance formed to present a united opposition front against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Political observers believe the disagreement could complicate efforts to maintain opposition cohesion ahead of future elections.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, there has been no official response from Congress or Rahul Gandhi regarding the DMK’s latest remarks. Political developments in the coming weeks are expected to determine whether the alliance can overcome its internal differences or face further fragmentation.
