DMK boycott clouds INDIA bloc’s future as rift with Congress widens
DMK skips an INDIA bloc meet for the first time after fallout with Congress over TVK; is the alliance headed for a bigger split as DMK hints at new alliance?
The INDIA bloc held a crucial meeting in Delhi on Monday (June 8), but one of its founding members, the DMK, was conspicuously absent. This marks the first time the Tamil Nadu-based party has boycotted an INDIA bloc meeting, a move political observers see as a significant setback for the opposition alliance.
Despite the DMK's absence, two senior leaders from Tamil Nadu participated in the meeting. VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan and MDMK general secretary Vaiko attended the discussions, ensuring representation from the state.
The boycott comes amid a deepening rift between the DMK and Congress following political developments in Tamil Nadu after the Assembly elections.
Why boycott?
The fallout began after the Congress joined hands with actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government in Tamil Nadu. The DMK has described the move as a "backstab" and a major betrayal.
DMK leaders maintain that the relationship with Congress has deteriorated beyond repair. Party spokesperson TKS Elangovan indicated that the DMK is unlikely to participate in future meetings of the INDIA bloc as well.
Also read: DMK announces exit from INDIA bloc, hints at new anti-BJP alliance
“Congress created this INDIA bloc without us. But a new secular alliance against the BJP will surely be formed. Many parties have already left. A strong anti-BJP front will emerge again,” Elangovan said.
His remarks have further fuelled speculation about the future of the Opposition coalition and the possibility of a realignment of anti-BJP forces.
TVK factor
Sources indicate that the TVK did not receive an official invitation to the INDIA bloc meeting. Congress reportedly clarified that only parties with Members of Parliament (MPs) were invited to this particular strategy session.
TVK currently does not have any MPs. The party has also given its lone Rajya Sabha seat to Congress.
TVK minister Nirmal Kumar said discussions regarding the INDIA bloc would have to be held in detail with alliance partners before any decision is taken.
The issue has highlighted the complexities of Opposition politics in Tamil Nadu, where shifting alliances continue to reshape political equations.
Congress dilemma
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has maintained that ties with the DMK remain intact. However, the DMK insists that the relationship has broken down irretrievably.
The situation presents a political dilemma for the Congress. While the party continues to need the DMK's support in the immediate future, it is also assessing the long-term potential of TVK as an electoral partner ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Also read: Can the INDIA bloc stay united? Five-point consensus masks fault lines | Capital Beat
Political observers note that TVK's emergence has altered calculations within the Opposition camp, creating new pressures on existing alliances.
The DMK's decision to stay away from the meeting has therefore raised fresh questions about the future cohesion of the INDIA bloc and the shape of Opposition politics in Tamil Nadu.
Further political developments in this regard are expected in the coming days.
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