A recent call for a coalition government in Tamil Nadu by a Congress parliamentarian has stirred political waters, prompting a key ally to step in and urge restraint to safeguard the unity of the ruling DMK-led front.
MJK Leader Acts to Quell Speculation
Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi (MJK) president Thamimun Ansari, accompanied by leaders from the Islamic community, held a meeting with Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai at the Sathyamurthy Bhavan in Chennai. The discussion centered on the buzz created by Congress MP Manickam Tagore's statement advocating for a share in power within the state.
Ansari clarified that his intervention was driven by concern over public perception. He stated that the speculation from the power-sharing demand risked creating an image of weakness within the DMK alliance. "Our concern is that the speculation sparked by the demand was creating a public perception that the DMK alliance was becoming weak," Ansari told reporters after the meeting.
"Not at DMK's Behest": Ansari Clarifies Stance
Emphasizing that his move was independent, Ansari denied acting on the DMK's instructions. "If the DMK was behind my action, I would have met Selvaperunthagai with my party members. Instead I came with leaders of the Shia-Sunny Federation of TN and Mount Road Dargah. We came to convey the public opinion on this issue," he explained.
He stressed that his intention was not to interfere in another party's affairs but to prevent unnecessary controversies. "All I wanted was that there should not be any controversies in DMK alliance. Such trivial issues should not affect the alliance," Ansari said, adding that the goal was to ensure their political opponents do not gain advantage from the situation.
TNCC Chief Responds, Online War of Words Erupts
TNCC president Selvaperunthagai responded positively to Ansari's concerns. He justified the meeting, stating that Ansari's demands were aimed at strengthening the INDIA bloc. Selvaperunthagai assured that he would convey Ansari's concerns to the Congress party's top leadership in Delhi.
Meanwhile, the original trigger for the episode—Congress MP Manickam Tagore's social media post—led to a direct clash with DMK MP M M Abdullah. Abdullah criticized Tagore's remarks, calling them "pro-Hindutva" and accusing them of sowing confusion within the alliance.
Tagore issued a strong rebuttal, defending his party's ideological stance. He asserted that the Congress never compromises on its principles and has always been forthright in opposing the RSS, countering the allegations made against his comments.
The episode highlights the delicate balance within the INDIA bloc in Tamil Nadu, where allies are navigating internal expectations while presenting a united front against common political rivals.
