Tensions between the DMK and the Congress have flared in Tamil Nadu, with Congress functionaries beginning to indirectly criticise Chief Minister M.K. Stalin as an “Etappan” (betrayer). The development is linked to reported anger from Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi towards Stalin.
The row comes amid debate over constituency delimitation. An all-party MPs’ meeting was held under Chief Minister Vijay, attended by MPs from the Congress, VCK, the two Communist parties, MDMK and the Muslim League. DMK and AIADMK MPs stayed away from the meeting.
DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi alleged that the meeting was convened to divert attention from the Cauvery issue and to “save” the Congress. She also questioned who was “running” the TVK government from behind and said the public knew who had “stabbed in the back and fled” after elections.
DMK leaders have also accused Rahul Gandhi of selectively targeting Stalin while ignoring delimitation concerns in Congress-ruled states and not criticising senior INDIA bloc leader Sharad Pawar, whom they said meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently.
In response, the Congress released a post titled “Who is the Etappan in coalition politics?”, listing instances such as exiting an alliance after enjoying Union ministerial posts (2004–2014), breaking and rejoining ties in Tamil Nadu politics (2006–2016), and inviting Arvind Kejriwal—described as anti-Congress—for campaigning while remaining in alliance for the 2026 Assembly election. DMK functionaries countered by citing past support extended by DMK leaders to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and claimed people knew who shifted sides for ministerial positions.
