A delegation of senior Tamil Nadu Congress leaders has approached Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in New Delhi, seeking their intervention to resolve escalating internal disputes within the state’s party unit. The delegation’s visit underscores the intensifying factionalism that has plagued the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee in recent months.
The primary contention centers around the strained relationship between Virudhunagar MP B. Manickam Tagore and TNCC President K. Selvaperunthagai. Party insiders reveal that tensions have been mounting since Tagore, who also serves as the Congress’s in-charge for Andhra Pradesh and as a whip in the Lok Sabha, has been at odds with Selvaperunthagai. Reports suggest a heated telephonic exchange between the two leaders, though both have refrained from public comment on the matter.
In an effort to address these internal conflicts, a faction of party leaders recently met with All India Congress Committee Secretary in charge of Tamil Nadu, Girish Chodankar. This meeting aimed to apprise the central leadership of the ongoing issues and to seek guidance on fostering unity within the state unit.
The discord within the TNCC is not an isolated incident. Historical patterns indicate recurring internal strife. For instance, in November 2023, supporters of then-TNCC President K. S. Alagiri and party leader ‘Ruby’ Manoharan clashed at the party headquarters, Sathyamurthy Bhavan, leading to physical altercations. Such incidents have raised concerns about the party’s internal cohesion and its ability to present a united front ahead of upcoming elections.
The current leadership tussle has also led to public expressions of dissent. Thoothukudi North District Congress President R. Kamaraj tendered his resignation, citing dissatisfaction with the handling of internal disputes. This resignation highlights the growing unrest among grassroots leaders and the potential impact on the party’s organizational structure.
In response to these challenges, the central leadership of the Congress Party has initiated measures to address the grievances. By engaging directly with both Tagore and Selvaperunthagai, as well as other key stakeholders, the aim is to mediate a resolution that prioritizes the party’s collective interests over individual disagreements.
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