Stalin Rejects Congress Demand for Power Sharing in Tamil Nadu, Confirms Alliance Remains Intact

Chennai, Feb 11: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin on Wednesday firmly rejected the Congress’ repeated demand for power sharing in the state after the upcoming Assembly elections, stating that the concept was “not compatible” with Tamil Nadu’s political framework.

Speaking at the India Round Table, Stalin dismissed speculations about rifts within the DMK-Congress alliance, asserting that the ties between the two parties remain strong and intact. “There are no hitches. The DMK-Congress alliance will continue,” he said, stressing that attempts to create a wedge were being fueled by intermediaries and media narratives.

Stalin exuded confidence about the DMK-led Front retaining power in the forthcoming polls. Highlighting the government’s achievements, he said, “We will present the developmental agenda and welfare schemes implemented during our tenure. There is no doubt the DMK will form the government again.”

The Chief Minister criticised the Union government for allegedly undermining Tamil Nadu’s development, citing issues such as non-allocation of new projects, delayed release of tax revenue shares, and limited funding under national schemes. He pointed out that even initiatives like the Thozhi Hostel scheme for working women, originally launched by the DMK, were being replicated by the Centre, underscoring the state’s progress.

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “double-engine governance” in the state, Stalin remarked, “It implies a corrupt alliance… What the Centre gave to Tamil Nadu in the Budget is zero, and they will get zero in the elections too.”

Stalin also addressed reports of emerging alliances in Tamil Nadu, stating that the DMK-led Front alone would dominate the electoral contest. He reiterated that power sharing would not work in the state and described the demand as a bid by some individuals to create discord. “Even the Congress is fully aware that the concept is not viable in Tamil Nadu,” he added, while describing his personal rapport with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as “beyond politics” and akin to brotherhood.

Recent speculations arose after actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam expressed readiness for an alliance and a share in power. TNCC leaders, however, have clarified that the DMK-Congress alliance remains intact and will contest the upcoming elections together.

The issue of power sharing has been periodically raised by Congress leaders, including Party Whip in the Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore and TN election in-charge Girish Chodankar, but Stalin’s clear statement appears to have settled the matter ahead of the polls. TNCC President K Selvaperunthagai reaffirmed the alliance, stating that discussions with AICC leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, will continue to ensure a joint strategy for the state elections.

Stalin’s remarks reinforce the DMK’s position as the anchor of the ruling alliance in Tamil Nadu, sending a clear message that power sharing within the state will not be considered, while consolidating confidence among voters and allies alike.