In a dramatic political shift in Tamil Nadu, the Indian National Congress has decided to support actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), signaling a major realignment in the southern state’s political landscape.
The move comes after TVK delivered a stunning electoral performance by winning 108 assembly seats in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu elections, reshaping the state’s traditional political equations and forcing established parties to reconsider their strategies.
Congress Looks for Revival After Six Decades Out of Power
Congress has remained out of power in Tamil Nadu for nearly 60 years and has largely depended on alliances with regional parties, especially Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), to maintain its presence in the state.
Over the past year, Congress had reportedly worked aggressively to rebuild its grassroots organization in Tamil Nadu. Based on this organizational push, the party demanded 39 out of the 234 assembly seats from DMK ahead of the election. In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Congress contested 25 seats as part of the DMK-led alliance and won 18 of them.
Apart from seeking more seats, Congress also wanted a share in governance if the DMK-led alliance returned to power in 2026. However, DMK reportedly offered only 28 seats and refused any power-sharing arrangement, creating dissatisfaction within sections of the Congress leadership.
TVK’s Rise Changes Tamil Nadu Politics
Before the election, DMK leaders publicly dismissed the electoral potential of TVK and Vijay, who was contesting elections for the first time. However, some Congress leaders believed Vijay had strong support among young voters and urban audiences.
Despite internal discussions about a possible alliance with TVK before the elections, the Congress high command ultimately stayed with its long-time ally DMK, partly because of uncertainty regarding TVK’s electoral strength.
The election results on May 4 dramatically changed the situation. TVK’s victory in 108 seats established the party as a major political force in Tamil Nadu and triggered intense political discussions within Congress.
After internal consultations, Congress announced on Wednesday that it was ready to extend unconditional support to Vijay for government formation.
Congress Yet to Decide on Joining Government
Even after extending support, Congress leaders remain divided over whether the party should formally join the new government or support it from outside.
Girish Chodankar, the Tamil Nadu Congress in-charge, said the party decided to support TVK because voters had given a mandate for a secular government and to prevent “communal forces” from gaining political space in the state.
According to him, discussions with TVK leadership are ongoing regarding Congress’ future role in the government.
DMK Unhappy With Congress Decision
Congress’ support for TVK has reportedly upset DMK leaders because Vijay strongly criticized the DMK government during the election campaign.
Political observers believe the Congress decision may mark the beginning of a long-term shift in alliance politics in Tamil Nadu. Party insiders suggest Congress is considering a broader and more durable alliance with TVK for future elections, including:
- Local body elections
- The 2029 Lok Sabha elections
- Possible Rajya Sabha coordination
Congress Leaders Call It a “New Beginning”
Christopher Tilak described the development as a “new beginning” for Congress in Tamil Nadu.
He said Congress workers had long felt constrained within alliance politics and were expecting a better political arrangement before the 2026 state election. According to him, the alliance with TVK could provide Congress workers with greater political space and opportunities to rebuild the party in the state.
Tilak also acknowledged that Congress suffered electorally because it was part of the anti-incumbency sentiment faced by the DMK-led alliance.
At present, Congress reportedly has only five MLAs in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, making strategic alliances crucial for its future growth in the state.
Rahul Gandhi and Vijay Reportedly Held Discussions
Congress sources also referred to recent discussions between Rahul Gandhi and Vijay, saying both leaders shared similar views on the future political direction and development priorities of Tamil Nadu.
The conversations are being interpreted as an early sign of deeper political cooperation between Congress and TVK.
BJP Factor Influencing Alliance Politics
Congress insiders insist the real objective behind supporting TVK is to prevent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from expanding its influence in Tamil Nadu.
Party leaders argue that opposition unity and secular alliances remain essential in the state’s evolving political environment.
A New Political Era in Tamil Nadu
The Congress-TVK alignment could potentially reshape Tamil Nadu politics, traditionally dominated by DMK and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
With Vijay emerging as a powerful political figure and Congress looking for a long-awaited revival, the alliance may become one of the most closely watched political developments in southern India ahead of the 2029 national elections.
