The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced that it will skip the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled for June 8 in New Delhi, citing deep dissatisfaction over what it described as a “betrayal” by the Congress party following the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The decision marks a significant political strain within the opposition alliance. In an official statement, the DMK said the decision was taken in view of the sentiments of its cadre, who remain upset over the Congress party’s post-election stance in Tamil Nadu.

The party said it was acting in respect of these concerns and would not attend the upcoming meeting, particularly since it would include participation from the Congress. Despite its absence from the meeting, the DMK clarified that it would continue to engage on national issues within the INDIA bloc framework. The party said it would keep raising concerns related to public welfare and other matters of national importance alongside other alliance partners in appropriate forums.

The rift stems from developments after the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where the Congress extended support to actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which had emerged as a significant political force. DMK leaders viewed the move as a breach of trust within the alliance, alleging that Congress had shifted its political alignment after benefiting from its long-standing association with the DMK.

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The DMK leadership has expressed strong criticism of the Congress party’s decision, with senior leaders accusing it of political betrayal. DMK Youth Wing chief Udhayanidhi Stalin, in particular, had earlier stated that the Congress had “stabbed the DMK in the back” and cautioned against future political cooperation, reflecting the depth of internal anger within the party.

The Congress party’s support for TVK, which fell short of a majority but attempted to stake a claim to form government with outside backing, has further intensified tensions. The move is seen as a key trigger behind the DMK’s decision to distance itself from the INDIA bloc meeting. The development raises questions about cohesion within the opposition alliance ahead of future political challenges, particularly in southern India, where regional dynamics play a critical role in shaping electoral strategies and coalition stability.

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