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Congress Leaders Address DMK Alliance Concerns

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 23:47 GMT by Deccan Herald
      Locales: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, INDIA

Delhi, February 17th, 2026 - K. Selvaperumal, President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC), concluded a meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi today, addressing growing anxieties stemming from recent critical comments made by several Congress leaders regarding their key alliance partner, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The meeting, confirmed by sources within the Congress party, signals an attempt to proactively manage potential fissures within the vital Secular Progressive Alliance in Tamil Nadu.

For weeks, murmurs of discontent have been growing within certain factions of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee. While specifics remain largely behind closed doors, several senior Congress leaders have reportedly voiced concerns - publicly, in some instances - regarding the DMK's policy positions, perceived unilateral decision-making, and, crucially, the distribution of seats in anticipation of upcoming elections. These criticisms have not gone unnoticed by the DMK, leading to visible strain in the usually cordial relationship between the two parties.

The core issue appears to center on differing ideological approaches. The Congress party, despite its own regional adaptations, generally adheres to a more nationalistic, pan-Indian framework. The DMK, however, is deeply rooted in Dravidian ideology, prioritizing social justice, regional autonomy, and linguistic preservation - concepts that occasionally clash with the traditional Congress platform. Observers note that while the alliance has been largely successful in electoral terms, navigating these underlying ideological differences has consistently required careful management.

Kharge, understanding the precariousness of the situation, reportedly emphasized to Selvaperumal the paramount importance of maintaining a strong and unified front with the DMK. Sources indicate he stressed that Tamil Nadu is a crucial state for the Congress party's national ambitions and that electoral success in the region is heavily reliant on a functional alliance. Losing the DMK's support would severely diminish the Congress's chances in the state, potentially impacting its national standing.

"The message from the high command was very clear," a source familiar with the discussions revealed. "We recognize the legitimate concerns of our party members, but preserving the alliance is non-negotiable. The goal is to address those concerns internally and ensure a harmonious working relationship with the DMK."

Selvaperumal, according to reports, briefed Kharge on the prevailing political climate in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the growing unease amongst party workers. He detailed the specific criticisms leveled against the DMK and explained the potential for further escalation if the issues are not addressed. He reportedly suggested a series of internal meetings and dialogues to quell the dissent and reinforce the importance of alliance discipline.

The timing of this meeting is particularly significant. With national elections potentially on the horizon - speculation is rife for late 2026 or early 2027 - both the Congress and the DMK are keen to present a unified front. A fractured alliance would not only weaken their electoral prospects but also embolden opposition forces, particularly the BJP which has been steadily increasing its presence in the southern state.

Analysts suggest that the DMK, while publicly maintaining a diplomatic stance, is likely closely monitoring the situation and may be seeking assurances from the Congress leadership regarding future conduct. The party has a history of assertive negotiations and will undoubtedly expect the Congress to rein in its dissenting voices.

Selvaperumal is expected to return to Chennai later today and is anticipated to convene a meeting of senior TNCC leaders to convey the directives from Kharge and chart a course forward. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Congress party can successfully navigate these internal tensions and preserve the vital alliance that has defined Tamil Nadu's political landscape for years. The ability to balance internal party concerns with the necessities of a strong coalition will ultimately decide the fate of the Secular Progressive Alliance and, potentially, the political future of both the Congress and the DMK in Tamil Nadu.