Tamil Nadu Congress President K Selvaperunthagai.
Credit: PTI Photo
Villupuram: TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai called on PMK leader Dr Ramadoss at his Thailapuram residence near Tindivanam on Friday, triggering speculation of realignment of political forces ahead of the Assembly election next year.
The Congress leader claimed he was not authorised to decide on alliances and that only DMK president and Chief Minister M K Stalin could decide on it.
"Why are you harping about alliance? I came here to call on Dr Ramadoss and enquire about his health. We did not discuss politics," Selvaperunthagai told reporters emerging from the PMK founder-president’s Thailapuram residence.
The DMK alliance, Selvaperunthagai asserted, was intact and it would form a government again in 2026.
"I didn't meet to talk about alliance. Its for our alliance leader Stalin to decide and announce. I came here to enquire about his health," the TNCC chief insisted.
He flayed the opposition AIADMK for not raising its voice against the BJP and Hindu Munnani for 'insulting' former Chief Minister C N Annadurai at the Murugan devotees' conference in Tamil Nadu's Madurai.
"They have become submissive to the BJP. They are afraid to boldly criticise the BJP or even issue a statement condemning the saffron party for insulting Anna," Selvaperunthagai said.
Asked if Ramadoss was likely to switch sides to the DMK combine after having fought the 2024 Lok Sabha poll in alliance with the BJP, the TNCC chief replied, "He (Dr Ramadoss) is a matured politician. He does not tilt towards anyone and is capable of taking firm decisions." Ramadoss has been at loggerheads of late with his son Dr Anbumani over leadership and management of the PMK.