By Rahil Nora Chopra
The Congress high command has taken direct control of the brewing discord within the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-Congress alliance in Tamil Nadu. While formal negotiations are scheduled to begin on February 22, public remarks by Congress leaders have already set off debate over whether the friction is real and genuine, or a calculated bargaining strategy. The immediate spark seems to be the Congress’s demand for a prominent share of seats and a more defined role in governance if the alliance returns to power. The issue has been further magnified by vocal statements from Congress figures like MP Manickam Tagore and strategist Praveen Chakravarty, who have publicly hinted at alternative political alignments, including the possibility of engaging with actor-politician Vijay’s party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. But recently, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is said to have categorically informed the DMK leadership via Kanimozhi that his party will not push for any strategy that would create a strain in the alliance, including the talks about power-sharing. He is also said to have ruled out any options of choosing an alternate alliance, or even aligning with Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), in the run-up to the election. However, sources indicate that the DMK has conveyed an indirect ultimatum saying that the Congress can remain in the alliance, but without a share in government, and if it insists on power-sharing, it is free to leave. There are also suggestions that the DMK has sought action against leaders like Praveen Chakravarty and Manickam Tagore for the alliance to continue smoothly. Despite the rhetorical sparring, both parties continue to stress anti-BJP unity as a binding force. The alliance’s primary aim remains preventing the BJP from expanding its footprint in Tamil Nadu. As February 22 approaches, the spotlight will intensify on closed-door discussions between senior leaders, including potential interactions between Congress high command representatives and Chief Minister MK Stalin. All eyes are on how the numbers game affect the DMK-Congress alliance.
KARNATAKA CONG INFIGHTING: SIDDA KEEPS CONTROL, DK WAITS FOR TURN
As the power tussle within the ruling Congress in Karnataka refuses to simmer down, deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has stated that a decision on a change at the helm has already been taken and that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would announce it at the right stroke of hour. Shivakumar had reacted on statement by Minister of Social Welfare Dr H.C. Mahadevappa, who said there was no discussion on power-sharing in Karnataka. Mahadevappa stated that leadership in Karnataka is strong, while ruling out change of guard in the near future. However, Shivakumar has said he would not react to Mahadevappa or other leaders. Meanwhile, 22 Congress MLAs said to be loyal to the CM Siddaramaiah flocked together to embark upon on a private tour to Australia and New Zealand at their own expense, with a second batch of legislators set to join them soon. The move is widely being read as an attempt by Siddaramaiah to signal that he retains the backing of a majority of Congress legislature. Meanwhile, Shivakumar chooses to remain focused for the top post, even as the Congress high command has signalled a wait and watch approach until the completion of the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry. The face-off between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar reached a crescendo in November and December last year, forcing the Congress central leadership to step in and order the two to stand down and cease hostilities while a deal is worked out.
PRIYANKA’S ASSAM VISIT QUELLS DISCORD BEFORE 2026 ASSEMBLY POLLS
Ahead of the Assam assembly elections, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has released a 20-point charge sheet against the BJP-led state government in Guwahati and has accused the administration of indulging in corruption and using its machinery to instill fear among the minorities. The main cause of her visit is to speed up preparations for the upcoming 2026 Assembly polls, especially the process related to the selection of candidates and to interact with ticket aspirants. However, her visit is being conducted at a time when the Assam Congress is dealing with serious internal issues. Just days before her arrival, former APCC chief Bhupen Kumar Borah resigned from his post. In his resignation, he reportedly accused Gaurav Gogoi of high-handedness and alleged that personal ambitions were harming possible alliances. There were also reports that Borah might join the BJP. Priyanka also visited the Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal Hills for prayers and interacted with a Naga Sadhu, described by onlookers as an Aghori Baba, who requested a photograph. The video, which is now going viral, shows the baba placing his hand on Gandhi’s head and then saying, “Hamara beti Pradhan mantri banega (Our daughter will be Prime Minister)”.
MAYAWATI FALLS BACK ON DALIT-MUSLIM ALLAINCE TO REINVIGORATE BSP
With an eye on the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati had declared major changes in her election team as part of a strategy to strengthen the party organisation. In a notable move, Ashok Siddharth, the father-in-law of her nephew Akash Anand, has once again been assigned a prominent role wherein he would be taking care of party’s growth in four states, including Delhi, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Kerala. While Naushad Ali has been appointed as the chief in-charge of four of Uttar Pradesh’s most politically crucial divisions, including Kanpur, Lucknow, Agra and Meerut. These regions are considered important in shaping the political direction of the state. Naushad Ali has been tasked with energising the cadre and rebuilding the Dalit-Muslim alliance in these areas. The BSP is seeking to consolidate its traditional support base among Dalits, backward classes and minority communities, besides expanding its outreach to other social groups. (IPA Service)
