Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Saturday criticised Udhayanidhi Stalin, saying he should act responsibly as an opposition leader and alleging that he has been making “irresponsible” remarks.
Speaking to reporters in Sivakasi, Tagore claimed Udhayanidhi convened a youth wing meeting while senior leaders were present and used it to speak against the Congress. He also alleged that Udhayanidhi was the one who “jumped” to form an alliance with the AIADMK.
Tagore further alleged that information about attempts to bring the AIADMK and DMK together—purportedly at the BJP’s behest—prompted the Congress to move quickly towards an alliance with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He said a senior BJP leader had made a “connecting call” on May 4, after which the Congress held a high-level meeting in Delhi and announced the TVK alliance on May 6.
He claimed leaders including CPI(M) national general secretary M.A. Baby, VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan and Muslim League leader Khader Mohideen had confirmed efforts to stitch an AIADMK–DMK arrangement, and urged the DMK to stop what he called “false drama”. Tagore said the INDIA bloc would not be affected and asserted that the Congress-led effort under Rahul Gandhi would continue to take on the BJP nationally.
Separately, Congress minister Rajesh Kumar said AIADMK leaders had spoken about post-election alliance talks with the DMK. He said the Congress was backing the TVK to prevent “fascist or communal forces” from coming to power in Tamil Nadu, and added that the party would question the government if there were lapses.
