Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has allotted the state’s lone vacant Rajya Sabha seat to the Congress, marking a significant political development that further strengthens the emerging alliance between the two parties. The decision is being viewed as a strategic move aimed at consolidating opposition unity in the state and enhancing coordination ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

The allocation comes at a time when the ruling Tamil Nadu government, led by Vijay’s TVK, is dependent on external support for its legislative stability. The Congress, which holds five MLAs in the state Assembly, plays a crucial role in sustaining the government’s majority. Political observers note that the Rajya Sabha nomination is likely to deepen the working relationship between the two parties at both the state and national levels.

The announcement followed a meeting between senior Congress leader and Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar and Chief Minister Vijay, which had already sparked speculation over the party’s nominee for the Upper House seat. Party insiders suggest that Congress strategist Praveen Chakravarty, credited with shaping the TVK-Congress alliance, is a strong contender for the position. The vacancy arose after AIADMK leader CV Shanmugam resigned from Parliament following his election to the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

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Congress leaders have welcomed the development, describing it as a significant boost to the party’s parliamentary presence. Speaking to NDTV, Congress MP Jothimani said the additional seat would help strengthen the party’s voice in the Rajya Sabha and improve its ability to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party at the national level. Party leaders believe the move will also enhance coordination within the broader opposition bloc.

The Congress’s parliamentary strength has seen fluctuations following its shifting alliances in Tamil Nadu politics. After parting ways with the DMK and joining hands with TVK, the party has sought to rebuild its influence in the state and strengthen its national positioning. Leaders see the Rajya Sabha berth as an opportunity to reinforce their presence in the Upper House while also laying the groundwork for future electoral contests in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.

However, the decision has drawn criticism from the DMK, which accused TVK of attempting to avoid direct confrontation with the Bharatiya Janata Party in Parliament. DMK spokesperson A. Saravanan alleged that the move effectively “outsources” opposition responsibility to Congress. TVK leaders have strongly rejected the claim, stating that the allocation reflects alliance solidarity rather than political avoidance, emphasizing that collaboration between partners is essential given the limited parliamentary representation.

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