Chennai, 07 January (H.S.) : The Congress party has officially reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament (MP) Manickam Tagore emphasized on Wednesday that there is no rift within the INDIA bloc in the state, dismissing speculations about potential changes in the alliance.

Highlighting the strength of their political bond, Tagore noted that the two parties have successfully contested eight elections together. He described the DMK as a reliable and long-term ally, asserting that the alliance remains a formidable force against its political rivals.

According to the version of authority provided by the MP, while the partnership is secure, there is an internal desire for seat-sharing negotiations to be concluded swiftly. Tagore explained that early finalization of seat numbers is crucial to maintain a strong public perception and ensure a smooth campaign process.

He clarified that while specific numbers for the 2026 contest are currently being negotiated, the final approval will be granted by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Furthermore, Tagore criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its political strategies in the state, accusing the party of attempting to weaken regional players like the AIADMK to gain a foothold.

As the state prepares for the high-stakes elections in the first half of the year, the DMK-led alliance enters the field with confidence following its robust performance in previous parliamentary polls. The commitment between these two major parties sets a decisive tone for the evolving electoral landscape in Tamil Nadu.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary