Congress functionaries in Tamil Nadu have voiced dissatisfaction with Karur MP Jothimani for repeatedly criticising the TVK-led coalition government, even as the party continues to support the administration and holds cabinet positions.
After the Assembly election, the Congress is said to have exited the DMK alliance and extended support to the TVK government, also joining the cabinet. Party leaders view Chief Minister Vijay’s popularity and TVK’s growth as politically useful ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha election, according to the report.
However, Congress leaders have been unsettled by statements from TVK ministers projecting Vijay as a prime ministerial candidate. While that unease reportedly eased after Rahul Gandhi met Vijay during a Tamil Nadu visit, fresh friction has emerged over Jothimani’s public comments targeting the state government.
Party functionaries pointed to Jothimani’s criticism of the arrest of Naam Tamilar Katchi candidate Karthika from Dharapuram, questioning the need to detain a woman in night attire without stating proper reasons. They also cited her condemnation of social media remarks by some TVK supporters against Chennai Mayor Priya, where she asked what action had been taken against those who personally attacked the mayor.
Congress leaders said they did not welcome Jothimani raising questions openly against the TVK government and urged her to respect coalition norms, avoid what they described as unnecessary pro-DMK positioning, and speak only after approval from the party’s Delhi or state leadership. They also alleged that DMK members were attempting to create confusion within the TVK–Congress alliance and said it should be countered.
