A Christmas celebration in Kanyakumari district has ignited fresh political speculation in Tamil Nadu after functionaries of the Congress party shared a platform with leaders of the actor Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The event, held on Tuesday in Arumanai, saw local Congress leaders making statements that strongly hinted at a future electoral understanding between the two parties.
A Stage Shared, A Message Sent
The public programme, while a festive gathering, took on significant political undertones. TVK general secretaries Arun Raj and Aadhav Arjuna were present alongside Congress district functionaries. Interestingly, while invited Congress MPs and MLAs chose to stay away upon learning of TVK's participation, the local cadre attended. Prior to the main event, leaders from both sides held a meeting at the residence of Congress district secretary Binulal Singh, further fueling talks of coordination.
Congress leaders used the platform to send pointed messages. Trichy Velusamy, a Congress figure known for his support of Vijay, stated that "when good people come together, positive outcomes are inevitable." Striking a more direct chord, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee general secretary K G Ramesh Kumar described the event as a celebration of a "victorious alliance" that could provide the resolve needed to "capture Fort St George" – a clear reference to winning power in the state.
TVK's Outreach and Political Barbs
TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna reciprocated the warmth, recalling that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was the first political figure to reach out to Vijay following the tragic Karur stampede. Arjuna used the occasion to make several political assertions and criticisms. He pointed to the presence of Congress and VCK zonal secretary Jayan on the dais as a sign of broadening support.
In a significant claim, Arjuna stated that cadres from the AIADMK who remain loyal to its late legends M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa are now backing TVK, even if the current party leadership disagrees. He also issued a caution to the Congress, warning that if it continues its alliance with the ruling DMK, it risks being branded as the "B-team" of the BJP.
Broader Political Repercussions
The TVK leader did not spare its potential ally's current partner, questioning VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan's continued support for the DMK. He alleged neglect of issues concerning Scheduled Castes and minorities under the present regime. When asked about TVK's perceived silence on the Thiruparankundram issue, Arjuna defended the party's stance, arguing that the matter should be resolved legally and not politicised for electoral gain. He asserted that TVK knows "when and where to speak."
This public coming together marks a notable shift in Tamil Nadu's political landscape. The event in Kanyakumari has successfully sent a strong signal about potential realignments as parties begin to position themselves for the next electoral battle. The conspicuous absence of senior Congress legislators, however, suggests that while ground-level talks are progressing, formal decisions at the highest levels may still be pending.
