Congress is part of DMK alliance, Vijay can’t succeed: P Chidambaram

Chennai: Amid intense speculation about a section within the party favouring an alliance with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Wednesday asserted that his party continues to be part of the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu, which, he said, will emerge victorious in the 2026 assembly polls.

Chidambaram, who had met Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin last week, extended his wishes to Vijay’s political plunge but said the actor’s goal of coming to power in Tamil Nadu in next year’s elections won’t come true.

The former Union Finance Minister also said he disagrees with his colleague and All India Professional Congress chief Praveen Chakravarthy’s claims that Tamil Nadu's outstanding debt is now higher than Uttar Pradesh, which is "alarming".

The senior leader’s statements put to rest speculation, albeit for now, over the Congress’ moves vis-à-vis the 2026 assembly elections in the wake of Chakravarthy’s meeting with Vijay earlier this month and AICC in-charge Girish Chodankar’s demand for a share in power.

Chakravarthy’s X post on TN’s debt created ripples within the DMK alliance, whose constituents demanded Rahul Gandhi’s intervention to preserve the alliance. In response, Congress MP Manicka Tagore asked alliance partners not to “meddle” in the party’s internal affairs, triggering a war of words between him and leaders of VCK, and Left.

“We are part of the I.N.D.I.A. alliance. The Congress High Command formed a five-member committee to hold discussions with CM Stalin, who said he will constitute a panel of his party leaders to carry forward seat-sharing talks. The alliance will be further strengthened and will be cohesive,” Chidambaram told a press conference in Karaikudi.

Chidambaram said the number of seats to be contested by the party in the 2026 elections will be decided by Stalin and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

“Leaders can voice their opinion. That’s all. The decision on the number of seats and other alliance-related issues will be taken only by leaders. I am hopeful that leaders will find a solution through talks,” the senior leader said, responding to questions about the number of seats sought by the Congress.

To a question on Vijay, Chidambaram said he wished the actor well but reminded him that the DMK-led alliance will continue with its winning streak in 2026 elections as well due to its strength. He also dismissed Vijay dubbing the election fight as DMK versus TVK saying it differs from one constituency to another.

Talking about Chakravarthy’s X post which led to a fierce debate within and outside social media platforms, Chidambaram said the Union Government’s data released earlier this month shows Tamil Nadu registering highest nominal growth in the country. “I don’t want to engage in a public discussion with intellectuals. I don’t think I am qualified enough,” he said sarcastically.