Congress Grapples with Grassroots Sentiment Amid Tamil Nadu Elections

Amid significant grassroots support for the TVK in Tamil Nadu, Congress faced internal tension by sticking with the DMK alliance. Despite a wave of change favoring the TVK, Congress leaders emphasized the decision was for the state's cultural interests. The TVK won 108 seats, while DMK secured 59.

Girish Chodankar, the AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu, acknowledged that the Congress decision to remain aligned with the DMK went against the pro-TVK grassroots sentiment. Speaking to PTI, Chodankar suggested that Rahul Gandhi's presence in a campaign with Vijay could have decisively impacted the polls.

The decision to stick with the DMK was attributed to the INDIA bloc dynamics and DMK's long-standing status as Congress's most trusted ally, despite TVK's strong performance. A tidal wave of support swept the state towards TVK, especially among young voters and women, with the victory even unseating the incumbent Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Chodankar admitted to party displeasure, with some members defecting to TVK. Still, he insisted the decision followed careful consideration, ensuring that the party respected Tamil Nadu's cultural and ideological interests. Vijay-led TVK secured a significant victory, while Congress, allied with DMK, saw a meager win with only five seats.