DMK president M K Stalin and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi campaigned in Puducherry on the same day, but did not meet in person despite being alliance partners. Party sources claimed Rahul was asked to meet Stalin, but declined.
According to those familiar with the talks, the strain is linked to how the DMK handled alliance negotiations for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. Congress leaders were reportedly kept waiting until late in the process, without a committee being formed for discussions, which they say caused significant resentment.
The report also points to confusion within Congress over possible talks with actor Vijay’s TVK. While Rahul was said to favour an understanding with TVK, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Tamil Nadu Congress leaders were described as preferring the DMK alliance, adding to internal uncertainty.
Even after the alliance was finalised, Congress is said to be unhappy that the number of seats sought was reduced and that requested constituencies were not allotted. Separately, Rahul’s Tamil Nadu campaign plans in support of the DMK have not been announced, even as he campaigned actively in neighbouring Kerala, which has reportedly angered the DMK.
Amid this backdrop, Vijay’s speech at a Tirunelveli campaign meeting further escalated the situation. He alleged that Stalin had “put the Tamil Nadu Congress in his pocket” by paying “several crores,” while claiming that the “real Congress” was on his side—prompting DMK leaders to question where Congress votes may go and whether there is any tacit understanding between TVK and Congress.
