Congress and DMK Forge Stronger Ties Ahead of 2026 Elections

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has formed a five-member committee to negotiate seat-sharing with DMK for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The committee, led by Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar, includes local party leaders. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram emphasizes the move reinforces the INDIA bloc's unity, dismissing speculations of shifting alliances.

In a strategic move ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has established a five-member committee tasked with negotiating seat-sharing terms with the DMK. The announcement comes as a declaration of intent to solidify existing alliances, according to Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K Selvaperunthagai.

The committee will be headed by Girish Chodankar, who is in charge of Congress affairs in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Key members include Selvaperunthagai and legislature party leader S Rajeshkumar. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has endorsed the formation of the committee, considering it a positive step towards strengthening the INDIA bloc.

Chidambaram's remarks come amid ongoing rumors that Congress might sever ties with the DMK to partner with actor-politician Vijay's Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The veteran leader outrightly dismissed these notions, underscoring the party's commitment to its current alliance.

(With inputs from agencies.)