The political relationship between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Indian National Congress has come under strain following sharp exchanges over recent alliance decisions in Tamil Nadu.

The controversy began after DMK youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin accused the Congress of betrayal, alleging that the party had benefited from DMK’s support for over two decades and then “stabbed them in the back” by changing political alignments.

He further criticised the Congress for weakening secular alliances and indirectly enabling the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) through its political strategies.In response, Congress MP Manickam Tagore strongly rejected the allegations, calling Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks unacceptable.

He stated that the Congress had consistently supported the DMK during politically difficult phases, including times when the party did not have strong numbers in the state assembly.According to him, the Congress remained committed to a broader secular alliance framework and did not act against DMK interests.The tension escalated further due to Congress’s recent political understanding with actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).Tagore explained that this move was strategically aimed at countering the growing influence of the BJP in Tamil Nadu politics.He also emphasised that any political alignment involving the BJP would not be acceptable to the Congress party.

The backdrop to this dispute is the shifting political landscape in Tamil Nadu after recent assembly elections, where TVK emerged as a significant force under Vijay’s leadership.With multiple parties recalibrating alliances, existing partnerships like DMK-Congress have come under pressure.

The exchange of accusations highlights growing instability within the opposition bloc in the state as parties reassess their strategies ahead of future electoral battles.