In a development highlighting the internal dynamics of alliance politics in Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. Selvaperunthagai stated on Saturday that he was not informed about a meeting between Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarthy and TVK president Vijay.
Leadership Unaware of Unofficial Talks
Addressing the media in Chennai after paying homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his death anniversary, Selvaperunthagai was direct in his response. He explicitly stated, "I do not know about his (Praveen Chakravarthy) meeting Vijay." This comment came amidst queries from reporters seeking clarity on the nature and authorization of the interaction between the Congress representative and the prominent actor-politician.
Official Channels for Alliance Discussions
When pressed on how such a meeting could occur without directives from the party's national leadership in Delhi, the TNCC chief emphasized the formal protocol. Selvaperunthagai clarified that as the state party president, he had received no such direction. He underlined that the Congress high command has authorized only a specific five-member team to conduct alliance negotiations. "No one else can hold official talks with other parties," he asserted, drawing a clear line between official and unofficial engagements.
He further added that formal discussions with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for the upcoming electoral battles have already commenced, indicating the primary focus of the state unit.
Confidence in the INDIA Bloc's Strength
Despite the questions over the unofficial meeting, Selvaperunthagai expressed strong confidence in the opposition coalition. He described the INDIA Bloc as "strong and is like an iron fort," signaling a message of unity and resilience amid speculation. This statement appears aimed at quelling any perceptions of discord or parallel negotiations that could undermine the coalition's cohesion in Tamil Nadu, a critical state for the opposition front.
The incident brings to the fore the delicate balance parties maintain between formal alliance structures and informal political conversations, especially in a complex landscape like Tamil Nadu where regional forces hold significant sway.
