Even in Defeat, There is No Failure, Says Congress MP Manickam Tagore

Chennai: Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Tuesday expressed optimism after the recently concluded Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, asserting that “victory is certain” and there is no failure even in defeat. In a post on X, he quoted poet Bharathiyar, strengthening confidence within the party despite the evolving political situation.

Meanwhile, cracks within the INDIA alliance have come to the fore and the long-standing partnership between the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) looks strained. Tensions rose after the Congress extended its support to the Vijay-led government in the state.

Reacting strongly, DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai criticized the Congress, calling the decision “narrow-minded” and accusing it of “backstabbing” its alliance partners. He warned that the move could damage confidence in the Congress ahead of the 2029 general elections and weaken Opposition unity against the BJP.

Sources said the Congress has unanimously decided to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the 2026 Assembly elections after it emerged as the largest party with 108 seats and fell 10 short of the majority mark in the 234-member Assembly.

The decision came after a late night virtual meeting chaired by Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai, where party MPs and senior leaders discussed the political scenario and implications of compliance with the TCC.

With Congress holding five seats and smaller parties like PMK (4), CPI, CPI(M) and VCK (two each) in the fray, additional support is expected to come in to help TVK’s bid to form the government.

The development marks a significant political shift in Tamil Nadu and could have wider implications at the national level, especially in the INDIA bloc where the Congress and the Stalin-led DMK are important allies.