CHENNAI, Dec 6: A meeting between Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarty and actor-politician Vijay has reignited speculation about possible new political alignments in Tamil Nadu, even as the Congress continues to reaffirm its alliance with the DMK ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
The interaction took place at Vijay’s office in Chennai on Friday and lasted nearly one hour, Chakravarty confirmed. However, he declined to disclose the purpose of the meeting. Sources within the party indicated that Chakravarty, who heads the Professionals’ Congress and the party’s Data Analytics department, enjoys direct access to Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that the meeting was not unsanctioned by the national leadership.
A senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“The meeting signals the leadership’s interest in exploring alternative political avenues, particularly to enhance the party’s bargaining power, negotiate seat share, and consider coalition possibilities.”
Vijay has publicly expressed willingness to share power with alliance partners, prompting some TNCC leaders, including Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader S Rajeshkumar, to push for a larger share of seats and insist on a coalition government within the DMK alliance. Several party leaders have even travelled to New Delhi to press their case before the AICC.
Meanwhile, the TNCC attempted to quell speculation, distancing itself from the meeting. A senior leader said:
“At a time when we are reinforcing our commitment to the DMK alliance, this meeting has poured fuel on the fire.”