Is DMK planning a national anti-BJP, anti-Congress alliance after leaving INDIA bloc?

After its unceremonious exit from the INDIA bloc following the Congress's unilateral decision to support the TVK government in Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is reportedly exploring the possibility of forging a national front comprising regional parties opposed to both the BJP and the Congress.

The Dravidian party on Monday confirmed that it was no longer part of the INDIA alliance and stayed away from its crucial meeting in Delhi.

Speaking to reporters at the party headquarters in Chennai, DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan said several parties had already distanced themselves from the INDIA bloc, prompting the DMK to chart its own course.

While Elangovan did not elaborate on the party's future strategy, a senior DMK leader told The New Indian Express that the party was already in touch with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The AAP had already announced its departure from the INDIA bloc.

"All these parties have strained relations with the Congress in their respective states, while also remaining firmly opposed to the BJP. For now, we will individually oppose the BJP on issues at the national level. If discussions progress positively, a broader alliance of regional parties could take shape," the leader said.

According to the report, plans for a third front had been under consideration even before the assembly election results, as there were indications that the Congress might exit its alliance with the DMK post-polls, regardless of the outcome in the state.

Elangovan suggested that a "strong, secular and anti-BJP alliance" could emerge in the future, adding that the DMK would closely watch the decisions of other opposition parties in Delhi to assess the scope for common action.

At the INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi on Monday, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was among those who reportedly criticised the manner in which the Congress severed ties with the DMK. Reports suggested that Yadav also expressed dissatisfaction with the Congress's Bihar unit leadership.

The CPI(M) too raised concerns over remarks made by senior Congress leaders during the Kerala Assembly election campaign, including allegations of a tacit understanding between the Left and the BJP. CPI(M) MP John Brittas said that, as the largest constituent of the INDIA bloc, the Congress must adopt a broader national perspective and avoid allowing state-level rivalries to weaken opposition unity.

Several other regional parties echoed similar concerns. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav urged the Congress to adopt a more "large-hearted" approach towards its allies, while VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan called on the party to reassess its strategy and work towards strengthening opposition cohesion.

Thirumavalavan argued that the Congress's approach in Kerala, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu had weakened parties that formed the backbone of the INDIA alliance, undermining the bloc's collective strength.

It remains to be seen whether the recent ruptures in the INDIA bloc will trigger a broader realignment among opposition parties and pave the way for a new national political front.