DMK accuses Congress and Rahul Gandhi of betraying alliance

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has launched a sharp public attack on the Congress party and its leader, Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of undermining opposition unity and betraying a longstanding ally. The criticism, published in an editorial in the DMK's official mouthpiece Murasoli on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, marks a significant escalation of tensions between the two former partners within the opposition INDIA bloc.

The DMK's central allegation is that the Congress systematically weakens its alliance partners during state assembly elections, only to seek their support when national parliamentary elections approach. The editorial described this pattern as shameful and accused the Congress of using underhand tactics to prevent INDIA bloc parties from coming to power in various states.

The rift was precipitated by recent political developments in Tamil Nadu. Following the state's assembly elections, the Congress left its alliance with the DMK and extended support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-politician Vijay, which emerged as the single-largest party. The DMK characterized this move as a betrayal executed with Rahul Gandhi's...