Key Facts
Congress ministers in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) cabinet have hit back at the DMK, asking it to introspect the reasons for its electoral defeat instead of criticizing Congress. The statement came after DMK's party organ Murasoli published an article ridiculing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Details of the Controversy
On Monday, Murasoli questioned Rahul Gandhi's 'underhand tactics' to prevent INDIA bloc parties from winning state elections, and accused Congress of 'backstabbing' DMK during the April 23 Tamil Nadu assembly polls. In response, Congress ministers S Rajesh Kumar (Tourism) and P Viswanathan (Higher Education) issued a joint statement on Tuesday.
The ministers pointed out that TVK formed the government with Congress, VCK, CPI(M), CPI, and IUML — all of which contested under the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. They praised Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for upholding democracy, social justice, secularism, and state rights.
Congress's Counterarguments
The Congress leaders argued that DMK members are crossing boundaries by hurling abuses at Congress. They reminded DMK that Congress also contributed to DMK's victories in the past. 'To whatever extent it is true that Congress won with the courtesy of the DMK, it is equally true that the DMK won with the courtesy of the Congress,' they said.
They recalled that DMK, which has never won a single election without an alliance, did not share governance with allies. In 2006, DMK formed government with Congress's support but did not give it any cabinet berth. In contrast, TVK gave two portfolios to Congress (5 MLAs), and one each to VCK and IUML (2 MLAs each).
Impact and Warnings
The ministers warned DMK to introspect why minority and Dalit communities did not vote for them. 'If you keep blaming alliance parties and making vulgar criticisms, a situation will arise where the DMK can never return to power,' they said. They urged DMK to accept the people's verdict and act responsibly, or risk losing even opposition status.
DMK's Response
DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai hit back, calling Congress leaders 'a bunch of backstabbers'. He said it is 'cynical and fascial' for Congress to lecture DMK on opposition duties, noting that Rahul Gandhi became Leader of Opposition in 2019 only because of DMK's alliance. 'Let them not speak about weakening opposition unity, which has been the sole trait of Rahul Gandhi,' he added.
What Readers Should Know
- The Congress-DMK rift highlights growing tensions within the former alliance after TVK's victory.
- Congress's support to TVK is seen as a move to prevent BJP from influencing Tamil Nadu politics.
- DMK's criticism of Rahul Gandhi may affect future INDIA bloc coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Congress asking DMK to introspect?
Congress ministers in the TVK cabinet said DMK should analyze the real reasons for its electoral defeat instead of blaming Congress for supporting TVK.
What did DMK's party organ Murasoli write about Rahul Gandhi?
Murasoli accused Rahul Gandhi of using underhand tactics to prevent INDIA bloc parties from winning state elections and later seeking their support for Lok Sabha polls.
How many seats did TVK win and how many portfolios did Congress get?
TVK won 108 seats. Congress, with 5 MLAs, got two ministerial portfolios. VCK and IUML with 2 MLAs each got one portfolio each.
What was DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai's response?
He called Congress leaders 'a bunch of backstabbers' and said they have no moral right to question DMK, adding that Rahul Gandhi became LoP due to DMK's alliance.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com