Even before the elections, there were many voices within the party that wanted an electoral alliance with the TVK. A wide-ranging consultative process was undertaken by the AICC and it was decided to continue the alliance with the DMK—an alliance we had forged in 2004. Though there were a few contrary voices, everybody fell in line.
The electoral results are what they are. The DMK front was in no position to form the government. And the single largest party by a significant margin was the TVK. So, a post poll reconfiguration of alliances had to be done. The Congress, considering the need was a stable government, decided for a post-poll alliance with the TVK. This was a unanimous decision. In hindsight, those who had suggested an alliance with the TVK before the election were proven right. That sentiment also played a big part in hastening the coalition arrangement with the TVK.
This alliance will definitely boost the party. First, the party will now have representation in the ministry after nearly 60 years. The last time a Congress member was in the cabinet in Tamil Nadu was 1967. So that itself is a big, dramatic change for the Congress.
The enthusiastic support the TVK has got, particularly from the younger people, has also been a big allure for the Congress. And, the Congress adds great value to the TVK by giving it a national endorsement and a secular sheen. So, in my estimation, it is a win-win situation. But my personal regard and respect for former chief minister M.K. Stalin has not diminished. I can understand DMK’s anger because of the manner in which the Congress exited the front—that perhaps could have been managed slightly differently.
The reentry of the Congress in the Tamil Nadu cabinet is a momentous occasion. That, however, may not be enough to motivate young people to join the Congress. The Congress is not going to be their first choice; the TVK is a more logical choice. We need to reorganise, reenergise and repurpose ourselves, and also be a sounding board for the average man. Until we become relevant in public discourse, people won’t come to us. This alliance is a good opportunity. But merely joining the government does not make us the most-wanted political party to join; the hottest political party in town today is the TVK, clearly.
Given that the leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi has a good support among the youth, this energy will prove positive when it comes to a national election. But it won’t work for a state election. States are won and lost by state leaders. Nobody votes for a party because they are charmed by the national leadership. They vote for a party because they are charmed by the state leadership or they want that party to be the alternative to the status quo. So, while Rahul Gandhi’s appeal will definitely be a big boost in the parliamentary elections, for the state elections we need to build capacity and state leaders, raise issues of state concern and be an active and vibrant political party at the state level. Only then will we be able to get new blood in the party.
The Congress has forged a long-term relationship with the TVK, and I hope it goes well. I think we will have an opportunity to contest more seats in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, and the alliance with the TVK, as things stand today, will be the winning alliance in the parliamentary elections.
—As told to Lakshmi Subramanian
The author is a member of Lok Sabha from Sivaganga and a Congress leader.