A political war of words intensified in Tamil Nadu on Sunday after leader of opposition (LoP) Udhayanidhi Stalin launched a verbal attack on the Indian National Congress (INC), accusing it of lacking basic decency and gratitude, amid shifting alliance equations in the state. Stalin, while addressing the workers and supporters of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), claimed that Congress itself had emerged as the primary reason behind the continued electoral success of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Udhayanidhi Stalin
He asserted, “I thought Modi and Amit Shah were responsible for the BJP’s continuous victories, but the real reason is Congress.”
DMK defends support extended to Congress
Stalin, during his speech, defended the role played by DMK cadres in helping Congress candidates secure victories in past elections. He said that party workers had campaigned tirelessly and stood like a rock behind alliance candidates in multiple constituencies. He said, “Our cadres shed blood and sweat to make Congress candidates win. Even in this election, our workers stood by them and campaigned wholeheartedly.”
His remarks are being viewed as a direct expression of frustration within sections of the DMK leadership following recent political developments involving opposition alliance partners in the state.
DMK party symbol
Stalin escalates criticism, saying ‘Never trust Congress’
Stalin further asserted that the DMK should no longer place trust in Congress in future political battles. He added, “We should never trust Congress again. It is a party without even basic decency or gratitude.” His comments drew loud reactions from party supporters present at the gathering.
Thereafter, he opined that the public would eventually teach Congress a ‘proper lesson,’ signalling widening cracks within opposition unity efforts ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
Congress party symbol
Notably, after the results of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026 were announced recently, several alliance partners of the DMK shifted their support towards actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), paving the way for a new coalition government in the state. So far, the Congress leadership has not officially responded to Stalin’s remarks.