Tamil Nadu, Feb 16 : The Madurai south district unit of the Congress has intensified pressure on its ally, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), passing a series of resolutions demanding a share in government, a higher allocation of Assembly seats, and a 30% quota in local body positions as part of the alliance framework in Tamil Nadu.
At a district executive committee meeting held in Thirupparankundram on Sunday, party leaders urged Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to initiate formal negotiations with the ruling DMK. The meeting was chaired by Virudhunagar MP Manickam Tagore.
Addressing party workers, Tagore said Congress has been a steadfast ally of the DMK since 2016 and has played a key role in electoral victories over the years. However, he noted that a committee formed to discuss alliance-related matters has been awaiting formal talks for more than two months.
“We respect this alliance and want it to continue successfully. But respect must be mutual,” Tagore said, stressing that the party’s demands were rooted in recognition and dignity rather than the pursuit of positions.
He also took exception to remarks by certain DMK leaders and ministers, alleging that they undermined Congress. “If we are treated with courtesy, we will reciprocate in the same spirit. But attempts to belittle us will be answered politically,” he said.
Referring to recent protests in Parliament in support of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Tagore said several MPs faced action after demonstrating when Gandhi was not allowed to speak. He asserted that Congress remains the only party willing to directly challenge the BJP at the national level and described it as a historic organisation committed to its ideological principles.
Invoking the legacy of leaders such as K. Kamaraj and P. Kakkan, Tagore said the party would continue working for the success of the INDIA bloc while safeguarding its values.
Seven resolutions, including those focused on alliance coordination and organisational strengthening, were adopted at the meeting, which saw participation from senior district leaders and office-bearers.