Congress leadership has decided to remain in the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu, even as some state leaders were said to be keen on a tie-up with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), according to reports.
Within party circles, there is talk that Rahul Gandhi was not fully in agreement with the decision and had preferred an alliance with TVK, but later stayed silent in line with Sonia Gandhi’s direction. Notably, Rahul has not issued any public comment so far on the DMK-Congress alliance.
At the same time, Congress leaders are said to be discussing the possibility of a “secret understanding” between TVK and Congress in constituencies where Congress contests. Party sources claim Congress leader Praveen Chakravarthy is in talks with TVK, and he had earlier pushed for a TVK alliance instead of the DMK.
Amid these internal discussions, leaders say it is uncertain whether Rahul will campaign actively in Tamil Nadu for the DMK-Congress combine. Even if he comes at Sonia’s insistence, they suggest his participation may be limited to one or two public meetings.
The report also notes that Rahul is focused on regaining power in Kerala, though he is said to be unsure about the prospects, with the Left seen as having an advantage. He had reportedly viewed a TVK alliance in Tamil Nadu as a way to also leverage Vijay for campaigning in Kerala.
