In a significant political development from Chennai, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai declared on Sunday that crucial alliance negotiations with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) are set to recommence within the next 'two or three days.' This announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions aimed at solidifying a formidable opposition front in Tamil Nadu ahead of future electoral battles.
Resumption of DMK-Congress Talks
Selvaperunthagai, addressing reporters in Chennai, provided a detailed timeline of the alliance talks. He revealed that the Congress party initiated formal discussions with the DMK approximately two months ago. The process gained momentum following a recent high-level meeting in Delhi between DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. According to Selvaperunthagai, the DMK has now communicated that the dialogue will resume imminently, within the next two to three days.
He emphatically reiterated that the Congress is exclusively focused on alliance talks with the DMK at this juncture. This statement was made to clarify any potential misunderstandings arising from remarks by AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu, Girish Chodankar. Chodankar had previously noted that even new political entities are expressing interest in aligning with the Congress, reflecting the party's perceived strength in the region.
Congress Leadership Visit and Strategic Planning
Prior to this announcement, the Congress party's dedicated panel for alliance negotiations convened a meeting in Chennai. The primary agenda of this gathering was to strategize the resumption of talks with the DMK and to meticulously plan the upcoming visit of top Congress leaders to Tamil Nadu. The visit, scheduled for the end of February, is expected to feature prominent figures such as Rahul Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. This tour is anticipated to bolster the party's grassroots connect and reinforce the alliance framework.
Mamata Banerjee's Scathing Critique of Union Budget 2026
In a parallel political narrative, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a vehement attack on the Centre's Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. Dubbing it a 'Humpty Dumpty' budget, she accused the central government of failing to address the needs of the common man and the state of Bengal. Her criticism underscores the growing discontent among opposition parties regarding the budget's allocations and perceived biases.
Budget 2026-27: Key Financial Implications
The Union Budget 2026-27 has introduced several changes impacting household finances across India. Citizens are keenly assessing what items have become cheaper and what has turned costlier under the new fiscal provisions. A major point of discussion revolves around the revised income tax slabs for the financial year 2026-27. Taxpayers are scrutinizing the details of both the new and old tax regimes to understand the applicable rates and make informed financial decisions.
Comprehensive details and frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the latest income tax slabs are being widely circulated to help individuals navigate the updated taxation landscape.
This period also sees a focus on other economic indicators, such as the daily fluctuations in precious metals rates, including gold and silver prices in markets like Chennai. Additionally, broader national issues remain in the spotlight, including India's firm rejection of recent allegations from Pakistan and other headline-making developments.
