Congress dumps DMK, backs Vijay after TVK’s shock Tamil Nadu sweep

Calling the support “conditional”, the Congress said it would back Vijay as long as his party keeps out “communal forces that do not believe in the Constitution” — a clear swipe at the BJP.

Congress switches sides after DMK defeat

The move has triggered outrage within the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which accused the Congress of betrayal after years of alliance politics.

Congress leaders, however, defended the decision, saying they were respecting the people’s mandate and acting to prevent the BJP from gaining influence in Tamil Nadu.

The support goes beyond government formation. Congress said the tie-up with TVK would continue for future local body elections, Lok Sabha polls and Rajya Sabha contests.

Behind the scenes: Congress leaders saw ‘Vijay wave’

According to media reports, several Tamil Nadu Congress leaders had sensed a “Vijay tsunami” months before the results.

Senior Congress figures Manickam Tagore and Praveen Chakravarty reportedly pushed the high command to align with TVK instead of sticking with DMK, NDTV reported.

Congress had initially negotiated with the DMK, demanding around 40 seats and ministerial berths. The DMK allegedly refused both the power-sharing formula and the extra seats.

TVK, by contrast, is said to have offered Congress nearly 60 seats and a share in government.

Rahul Gandhi-Vijay equation emerges

Even during the campaign, signs of a Congress-DMK chill were visible. Rahul Gandhi stayed away from sharing campaign stages with M K Stalin.

Once it became clear the DMK had lost power, Rahul Gandhi reportedly called Vijay to congratulate him and assured support.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge later held consultations with Rahul Gandhi and K C Venugopal before the alliance was formally cleared.

Congress eyes Cabinet berths

Sources say Congress expects two ministerial berths in a Vijay-led government. Rahul Gandhi may also attend Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony if talks progress smoothly.

In the 234-member Assembly, TVK has won 108 seats and needs outside support to cross the majority mark. Congress’s five MLAs could prove crucial in government formation.

Why Congress chose Vijay

For Congress, the alliance offers a rare chance to return to power in Tamil Nadu after nearly six decades while rebuilding its grassroots network in the state.

Party insiders also believe TVK, as a new force lacking governance experience and deep organisation, would value Congress more than the DMK did.

2029 battle begins early

The new Congress-TVK equation could reshape Tamil Nadu politics ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

But the DMK, which dominated the last two general elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, is unlikely to forgive the Congress for switching camps after defeat. A fierce political showdown may just be beginning.