The Congress party in Tamil Nadu has received an informal invitation to form an alliance with actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The overture came from S. A. Chandrasekhar, Vijay's father, who spoke to reporters after attending a wedding event in Tiruvarur district on Thursday. Chandrasekhar urged the Congress to seize the opportunity to partner with TVK, claiming it would enable the party to reclaim its historical influence and "get back to their old glory" in the state by sharing power in a potential government.

Chandrasekhar emphasized that the Congress has weakened over time due to its role as a supporting partner in alliances without direct governance responsibilities. He stated that Vijay and TVK are prepared to extend support to the Congress, positioning the collaboration as a pathway for the grand old party to revive its legacy. He further noted that public sentiment favors Vijay contesting independently, given perceptions of strong electoral prospects for TVK, but highlighted the mutual benefits of an alliance.

The invitation arrives amid a complex political landscape in Tamil Nadu, where the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) maintains a longstanding alliance with the Congress under the Secular Progressive Alliance. Reports indicate ongoing seat-sharing discussions between the DMK and Congress, though no final agreement has been reached. The emergence of TVK, launched by Vijay in February 2024, has introduced new dynamics, with speculation about potential shifts in alignments as parties position themselves for the polls expected in April or May 2026.

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TVK has positioned itself as an alternative force opposing both the DMK and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), sharing ideological ground with the Congress on secularism and anti-communalism. Earlier statements from TVK representatives have described the Congress as a "natural ally," though challenges such as internal leadership interests have been cited as barriers to formal talks. The party has distanced itself from Chandrasekhar's remarks in some instances, clarifying that no official alliance negotiations are underway.

Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu have downplayed the proposal, with the state unit chief expressing confidence in the existing DMK partnership and the energizing influence of national leadership. The episode underscores the intensifying pre-election maneuvering, including triangular tensions between the DMK, Congress, and TVK, as parties seek advantageous coalitions in a state where regional players dominate.

This development highlights the challenges and opportunities for national parties like Congress in regional strongholds, where new entrants like TVK could disrupt established alliances and influence vote shares among key demographics.

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