Post Bihar Blow, Congress Not Expected to Break DMK Alliance in Tamil Nadu

New Delhi, Nov 15 : The Congress party’s heavy defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections has sharply reduced the chances of the party reconsidering its alliance strategy in Tamil Nadu. Senior political observers and party insiders believe the Congress high command is now more inclined than ever to remain firmly within the DMK-led front, ruling out any major coalition experiments ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The setback in Bihar  where Congress had anticipated signs of revival but instead suffered a major blow  has prompted the central leadership to consolidate alliances in states where the party already enjoys a stable and successful partnership.

In Tamil Nadu, the Congress DMK alliance has consistently delivered electoral victories since 2019, both in the Lok Sabha and the State Assembly. This proven track record has become even more valuable as the Congress reassesses its national strategy and looks for political stability following its Bihar loss.

This shift has come as a major disappointment for the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), which had been hoping to draw the Congress into its fold to build a strong alternative front. The party had expected Congress to explore a fresh coalition, particularly after actor-politician Vijay’s recent appeal for forming a stable government post-2026.

There has been persistent speculation that some Congress MLAs, MPs and district level leaders especially those dissatisfied with the current TNCC leadership were open to aligning with TVK. Many reportedly saw the emerging party as an avenue for securing more seats and possible cabinet positions in a future coalition.

TVK leaders were encouraged by internal surveys suggesting the party enjoys close to 26 per cent public support across Tamil Nadu. They believed this placed TVK in a strong position in a potential three-way contest involving the DMK, AIADMK and a TVK-led alliance. For TVK, Congress remained the most attractive second partner due to its statewide organisational presence and national prominence, which could help attract undecided voters. The cordial relationship between Vijay and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, dating back to their 2012 meeting, was also viewed as an advantage.

However, the political dynamics have shifted dramatically post-Bihar. Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu now believe the high command will stand firmly with the DMK, valuing the alliance’s proven electoral strength and parliamentary influence at a time when the party prioritises consolidation over experimentation.